System and method for providing and managing electricity

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing power to and monitoring the energy usage includes at least one electrical control unit having an unmanned vehicle, at least one electrical control unit, a sensor enabled to monitor a given condition; a power source; a processor configured to be in communication with the at least one sensor and said power source, said processor further configured to manage communications with said management system; an unmanned vehicle releasibly coupled to said electrical control unit, said processor being adapted to release said unmanned vehicle to enable the unmanned vehicle to separate from said electrical control unit, wherein said sensor is enabled to monitor at least one of the following: voltage, current, real power, apparent power, reactive power, frequency, total harmonic distortion, arc fault, plug loads, power factor, GFI, AFI, light, temperature, humidity, methane, carbon monoxide, motion, thermal, occupancy, radio frequency, audio, video, infrared, and combinations thereof and wherein said unmanned vehicle can travel to various locations.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/982,752, filed Apr. 22, 2014, entitled, “Miniature UnmannedAircraft,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to a system and apparatus for providingand managing electricity, which system may include as a component, anunmanned aerial vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electricity is an integral part of modern life. Whether in a personalhome or a professional office, electricity powers appliances, tools anddevices to provide a comfortable and convenient environment for people.However, as human population continues to grow, so has the demand forelectricity. Concerned with how such insatiable demand and consumptionimpact the environment and cause sustainability issues, governmentsaround the world have tried to raise awareness and to promote energyconservation and efficiency.

The most common approach to energy conservation is to purchase and useenergy efficient tools and appliances. While it is a good attempt topromote energy efficiency, there are several drawbacks. First, thisapproach relies too heavily on individual purchasing decisions and usagetendencies. Even when people have the best intentions to conserve energyand purchase energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, lights areoften left on after office hours and appliances are persistently pluggedin and sit idle between uses. Second, in many buildings, electricityusage in common areas is a necessity but most often less than optimized.Third, currently, there is no known way to monitor energy usage both ona macro level, such as a per floor, or a section of a floor or building,and on a micro level, on a per individual outlet basis to identifyinefficient points. Similarly, even when problems are identified, thereis no easy way to communicate a patch to resolve the issue or to alterthe usage pattern to quickly achieve the desired results.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved system and methodfor monitoring and managing electricity that overcomes drawbacks andinadequacies of known methods and systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a system providesa user with the ability to control devices connected to units within thesystem, even if the user is not physically near the devices. Forexample, the user may log in to the system from a cellular phone tomonitor the energy usage of a specific device plugged into an electricaloutlet unit, see whether or not the light is on in a certain room, oradjust the power of the ceiling fan in a specific room. The user mayalso be able to see reports on the energy consumption by a device, in aroom, on a floor, etc.

A system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the inventionincludes a plurality of units, which communicate with one or morecoordinators, which relays data from the units to a server, and relayscommands from the server to the units. Alternatively, the coordinatorsthemselves may initiate and send commands to the units. Preferably, theunits have safety mechanisms to prevent overheating, fires, etc., byautomatically shutting itself, or the device connected to it, off.

The system preferably also includes energy saving protocols to reduceenergy wasted. For example, the system may use light sensors or heatsensors to automatically adjust the light or heat/air conditioning in aspecific room or area by adjusting the current being provided to therespective device.

An embodiment of the system also processes alerts from smoke detectors,motion detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc., to alert the user ofa potential threat in the area in which such detectors are located.

An embodiment of the system receives and tracks information about eachdevice connected to each unit, including the expected energy usage orlife of the device, and alerts the user of a deviation from suchexpectations. Therefore, if a device fails to meet its proposed energyusage or life, the user may either alert the manufacturer or avoid usingthe device in the future.

An embodiment of the unit includes a plurality of circuit boards havingcomponents attached thereto, to provide power and detect energy usage ofthe connected device, sense the unit's internal temperature, sense ordetect conditions surrounding the unit, process certain data collectedby the sensors and detectors, as well as communicate with a coordinator.The unit preferably includes safety mechanisms to shut off automaticallyon its own, should it detect a fault.

An embodiment of the unit includes an electrical outlet, via whichelectrical devices can be powered. Another embodiment of the unitincludes a switch, via which one may turn on, turn off, or adjust thepower being consumed by a device, such as the light fixtures in a room.Yet another embodiment of the unit includes a fixture unit, via which afixture, such as a ceiling light or fan, is connected to its powersource, preferably proximate the base of such fixture.

An embodiment of the invention provides a system having a base unit andan interchangeable user interface. The user interface may be permanentlyor removably attached to the base unit.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a system providing a uniformelectrical outlet for countries having differing plug configurations andRFI level requirements.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an electrical unitcan be removably attached to an electrical housing.

Yet another embodiment includes a faceplate component that may beremovable from a base unit or sandbox the faceplates and sandboxescollectively referred to as “Units,” the faceplate further includingsecuring elements that may provide a docking mechanism for an unmannedaerial vehicle or drone that removably secures the drone to the Unit(s).

Another embodiment of the invention includes a network of sandbox andfaceplate units throughout floors of buildings, neighborhoods andcommunities to which a drone and/or drones may be deployed.

In a further embodiment the network of Units may be used to detectvarious environmental and electrical conditions and issue alerts whencertain thresholds are exceeded or various conditions detected.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention users of the system orstakeholders may access the network using mobile smartphones or portabletablets or desktop units either at time of their choosing or in responseto alerts issued by the network for various conditions, upon which thestakeholder may access the network on his mobile, portable or othercomputer device and determine the nature of the condition, where in thenetwork the condition is evident and take appropriate action to mediatethe condition or notify first responders.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part beobvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. Otherfeatures and advantages of this invention will become apparent in thefollowing detailed description of exemplary embodiments of thisinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing,in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a unit in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a unit and plugs in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a unit and a variety of faceplates inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interchangeable system in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a unit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of a unit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a unit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of a unit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical outlet unit inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a switch unit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a fixture unit in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the fixture unit of FIG. 13A insertedinto an electrical box;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the fixture unit and electrical box ofFIG. 13B with a ceiling fixture;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electrical outlet unit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the electrical outlet unit of FIG.15;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17C is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17D is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17E is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17F is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17G is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17H is a perspective view of a faceplate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a switch unit in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the switch unit of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a fixture unit in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of the fixture unit of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a unit in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a unit in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the unit of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a unit in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a connector in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a snap-in power line in accordance withan embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a tool in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a miniature unmanned aircraft controlsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30A-1 is a perspective view of a faceplate lighting, fan dockingstation and drone in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 30A-2 is a perspective view of another faceplate lighting, fandocking station and drone craft in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 30B is a perspective view of yet another faceplate lighting, fandocking station and drone craft in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 30C-1 is a perspective view of faceplate docking and drone craft inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 30C-2 is a perspective view of a drone craft in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 30C-3 is a perspective view of another faceplate docking and dronecraft in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 31A is a view of a screen shot of a network system in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 31B is a view of another screen shot of a network system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 31C is a view of yet another screen shot of a network system inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

System Overview.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings. Reference is made to FIGS.1-2, in which a system in accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention is shown having a plurality of units 100, a plurality ofcoordinators 10, a router 20, a local server 30, a remote server 40 anda plurality of communication devices 50.

The units 100 preferably interface with the energy consuming devices 60in a facility. For example, the units 100 may be connected to lamps,light fixtures, appliances, televisions, fans, or a variety of otherelectrical units in a room, a house, or a floor of a building, by way ofnon-liming example. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, theunits 100 can replace existing outlets and switches or be installed inlight fixtures or fan controls, preferably designed and constructed tofit into a standard electrical box, thereby facilitating retrofitting offacilities.

The units 100 preferably provide a variety of functions, for example,monitoring the energy usage of any device electrically connectedthereto, turning the device 60 on and off, dimming it where appropriate,or otherwise monitoring or controlling the device. Each unit 100monitors the amount of energy being drawn by the device 60electronically connected to it. For example, if the device 60 is a lamphaving two light bulbs and the energy usage at the unit 100 suddenlydrops to half of what it was previously, it may indicate that one of thelight bulbs blew out and needs to be replaced. An energy usage greaterthan expected for a specific appliance may indicate a flaw in theappliance.

Generally, the units 100 may send data collected about the device 60 toone or more coordinators 10. For example, the unit 100 may send dataregarding the device's energy consumption to the coordinator 10regularly, or if the device 60 is suddenly drawing a significantlygreater or lower amount of energy, the unit 100 may send such data tothe coordinator 10 regardless of its scheduled protocol.

The coordinator 10 preferably processes most, more preferably all, thecommands. Therefore, the commands can be processed and responded to morequickly than if one of the servers 30, 40 processed them. In certainscenarios, the coordinator 10 may receive data from the unit 100 andsend a command in response thereto itself.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the coordinator 10possesses the valid local network configuration and security controls.Therefore, the coordinator 10 may control local security to help assurethe authenticity of devices attempting to join the network. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, eachtransceiver 132 b of units 100 is assigned a unique media access control(MAC) address, preferably during hardware fabrication, and required to“join” the network. Joining is a secure process in which an authorizeddevice is allowed to become a member of a Personal Area Network (PAN).The PAN ID is assigned by the coordinator 10, which keeps track of whichunits 100 are allowed on the network through their MAC addresses. Thesignals from the network are received and decoded by the transceiver 132b of the unit 100. Therefore, once a unit 100 is validated on thenetwork, the free exchange of commands and data can commence. Also,assigning each transceiver 132 b a unique address may facilitateidentifying the units 100 when communicating therewith, for example,receiving data from or sending commands thereto.

A system may have one or more coordinators 10 communicating with thelocal server 30 directly. Alternatively, in a network of coordinators 10with a central coordinator, the coordinators 10 communicate with thecentral coordinator, which then communicates with the local server 30.In a preferred embodiment, each coordinator 10 manages up to 100 units100. The ratio of units 100 to coordinator 10 may be varied according tovarious factors, such as the volume and frequency of reports andresponse time desired, the layout of the facility, the type of equipmentbeing connected to the units, etc. In accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention, a building may have one coordinator 10 per floor, tomanage all the units 100 on the corresponding floor. The coordinators 10either communicate with the local server 30 directly or via one or moreother coordinators 10, using such other coordinators 10 as signalrepeaters.

The units 100 of the system may also be include signal repeater units500, acting as a bridge between the units 100 and the coordinator 10 tofacilitate the transfer of data, commands, etc. therebetween. Therepeater units may be used when the units 100 are located far from eachother or from any coordinator. The repeater units 500 may be additionalunits 100 or modified units 100 without defined control functions ormodified units 100 having transceiver 132 b but having the controlfunctions removed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, units 100 and coordinators10 are connected wirelessly, creating a wireless network. The wirelessnetwork connecting the units 100 and coordinators 10 is preferably amesh network, wherein each unit 100 functions as a signal repeater andthe coordinator 10 is the controller for all the units 100 in itsnetwork. Such a network may reduce the number of coordinators 10 orsignal repeater units 500 necessary to facilitate data transmissionbetween the units 100 and coordinators 10. An example of a wirelessnetwork suitable for an embodiment of the invention is a ZigBee® basedwireless protocol. Once it received information, the coordinator 10 thenrelays the data wirelessly to the local server 30 via router 20. Whereasa wireless communication network is illustrated, it is to be understoodthat the coordinator 10 may be connected to the units 100, router 20and/or the local server 30 via a wired connection, such as an Ethernetconnection.

Information and data collected by units 100 are passed to the localserver 30. The local server 30 is running an operating system,preferably Windows® or Linux®, upon which the control and userapplication platforms run, and capable of running a web service tointeract with the remote server 40 and other communication devices. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, the control applicationsinclude a console based graphical user interface granting the usersaccess to various levels of the system based on authorization. Forexample, a building administrator can specify and control lightingconditions for the entire building while individuals have access only tocontrol functions in their office or immediate work area.

In one embodiment, the local server 30 forwards the data or reportreceived from Unit 100, or a report or alert created by local server 30in response to the received data, to a user of the system via one ormore communication devices 50. The user can then decide on a course ofaction. For example, the user may notice that a device 60 wasunintentionally left on or plugged in and want to turn it off or reducepower being provided to it. The user can send the desired command to thelocal server 30, which in turn relays the command to the unit 100 towhich the device 60 is electrically connected, via router 20 andcoordinator 10. If the user wishes to turn the device 60 off, the unit100 would stop the current flowing into the device. If the user wishesto reduce the amount of power being provided to the device 60, the unit100 would reduce the current flowing into that device 60.

As described above, the data may be relayed wirelessly, via a wirelesslocal area network, such as WiFi, ZigBee® based wireless protocol or viaan Ethernet cable or other wired connection, or a combination thereof.Whereas the embodiments of the system described herein refer to awireless network, it is to be understood that a wired connection orother networking system in contemplated within the scope of theinvention. It is also understood that compatibility with wirelesscontrolled appliances, whose industry standards protocol are underdevelopment, is contemplated within the scope of the invention. Forexample, the coordinator 10 or unit 100 may send the command directly tothe device 60 so turn itself on or off.

It is to be understood that the user need not reply to an alert orreport from the system in order to take action. Rather, the user may usethe communication device 50, such as a smart phone, computer, tablet, orany other device via which the user can communicate with the localserver 30 or remote server 40, to send commands at any time. Whereas thesystem preferably promotes efficiency in energy consumption, there arenumerous conveniences that it provides as well. For example, if the userforgot to turn off the stove, rather than rushing home, the user maycheck and send a command to turn off the unit 100 connected to thestove. The user may monitor whether or not the children are watchingtelevision or using the computer, etc. past their bedtime and shut themdown remotely. If the sprinklers are scheduled to go off at a certaintime but it is raining, the user may use the communication device 50 tocommand the unit 100 to turn off the sprinkler. If the user wants tocool his house before he gets home on a hot day, he may turn on the airconditioning unit or fan at the desired setting by adjusting the amountof power being provided to it. Whereas there may be systems currentlyavailable to perform some of these tasks remotely, the embodiment of theinvention provides a system for controlling most, if not all, devices,so long as the devices are connected electrically or by a wired orwireless communication connection.

The system may have a variety of settings requiring certain actions betaken when a condition is met. In an example of such a setting, if aunit 100 detects a device having a power factor of less than 90%, theunit 100 alerts the coordinator 10, which then relays the data to thelocal server 30, which notifies the user via a communication device 50.The user may request the unit 100 to turn the device off or leave it asis. The same system setting could provide that if the unit 100 detects adevice having a power factor of less than 75%, the unit 100 must turnthe device off immediately, without waiting for instructions from theuser. Another example of a system setting includes having a default timefor dimming, for example, 30 seconds. Various other settings may beprovided, such as energy savings modes, unit failure modes, and defaultaction in case of network failure. For example, a unit 100 connected toa lamp or light fixture may be programmed to turn the lights on when thenetwork fails and the unit 100 is unable to communicate with thecoordinator 10 for over 60 seconds.

Preferably, some units 100 have safety devices such that ground and arcfaults as well as overheating can be detected and dealt with, preferablyat the unit level without user input or commands from the coordinator 10or local server 30 or remote server 40. For example, a unit 100 mayinclude sensors to detect such conditions and alert the coordinator 10.The coordinator 10 is preferably designed and programmed to process theinformation, and if determined appropriate, command the unit 100 to shutdown immediately. This may be preferred to speed up response time byeliminating the need to communicate with the server and/or user todetermine what action to take, and a difference of seconds may becritical to whether or not a fire starts. Alternatively, unit 100 mayhave a mechanism to shut itself down automatically upon such fault oroverheating, without waiting for a command from the coordinator 10.

In addition to or as an alternative to the local server 30, a remoteserver 40 may be included in the system. In accordance with a preferredembodiment, the local server 30 analyzes the data received from unit 100and generates reports, such as usage analysis reports. It then sends thedata received, analyses and/or reports generated with respect to thatunit 100 (collectively “unit data”) to the remote server 40. The remoteserver 40 may be a cloud server connected via the Internet, which savesthe unit data for access via the Internet or other means as a matter ofapplication specific design choice. The remote server 40 may alsoanalyze and process reports, such as periodic reports and energy savingsinformation.

Once the unit data is sent, the local server 30 would then be free todelete the unit data locally on a regular basis, which may speed upresponse time and reduce the storage necessary for the local server 30.However, it is to be understood that the system may include only oneserver, either local or remote, multiple local servers, multiple remoteservers, or any alternate structure as desired, without deviating fromthe scope of the invention. For example, if a system has a local server30 without a remote server 40, all system commands and data functionswould be available at the local server 30, therefore the system could becontained within the boundaries of its firewall. Thus, the level ofresponse and security may be improved. Additionally, the system wouldremain fully functional, including the reports and data being backed upand saved, even if there is no Internet connection. However, a largestorage would likely be required, depending on the size of the system,which may be burdensome for smaller facilities. Some facilities mayprefer a system having a remote server 40 without a local server 30,although such a configuration may delay response time. Accordingly, thenumber of local servers 30 and/or remote servers 40 may be varied asdesired.

Units.

Units 100 generally include one or more boards 102. Units 100 mayoptionally include a front panel 120, and a faceplate 170. Preferably,unit 100 is constructed and designed to fit inside a single gangelectrical box, for example, in a housing having a dimension of 3 inchby 2 inch by 2.5 inch. When a front panel 120 and the faceplate 170 areincluded in the unit 100, the front panel 120 is preferably positionedpartially outside of the electrical box to match the depth created bysurrounding wall material, such as sheetrock, and the faceplate 170covers the wall opening for the electrical box.

Boards.

Preferably, the boards 102 are circuit boards, such as a printed circuitboard (PCB), a breadboard, a strip board or other structure suitable forelectrically connecting components (collectively referred to herein as“circuit board”). Boards 102 may include a first board 130 and a secondboard 140. Whereas the embodiments illustrated show two boards 130, 140,it is to be understood that the unit 100, can have one board or morethan two boards without deviating from the scope of the invention, as amatter of application specific design choice.

The first board 130 and the second board 140 are preferably joinedphysically by a coupling mechanism, for example, one or more inserts orthreaded standoffs. It is to be understood that the coupling mechanismsbetween the front panel 120 and the boards 102 or faceplate 170 may bethe same or it may differ, without deviating from the scope of theinvention.

The first board 130 and the second board 140 generally includeelectrical connectors 105 and 106, which electrically connect firstboard 130 to the second board 140. These electrical connectors arepreferably eight-pin headers and are located on each end of the boards102.

First Board.

Generally, the first board 130 also includes circuitry to carry outfunctions of the unit 100. For example, the first board may include aplurality of components including a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 132 aand an RF transceiver 132 b that receives and decodes commands. Inaddition, the first board 130 may also include other components such asa GFI controller 132 c, AFI controller 132 d, program flash 132 e,antenna 132 f and an energy monitoring device 132 g. These firstcomponents may be integrated or provided externally as matter ofapplication specific design choice. For example, antenna 132 f may beintegrated unto the first board 130 or provided externally.

The MCU 132 a processes most or all the control commands, and performs aplurality of functions. The MCU 132 a and the transceiver 132 b may beseparate, as shown in FIG. 3, or integrated into a single circuit. Ifthe MCU 132 a and transceiver 132 b are separate components, thecommunications therebetween preferably occur on a Serial PeripheralInterface Bus (SPI).

In addition, MCU 132 a is preferably capable of over-the-air programmingby receiving such programming or system updates from the coordinator 10.The MCU 132 a may also store configuration parameters and current statesfor recovery via a program flash. In one embodiment, an energymonitoring device 132 g is also included, which is preferably a specialpurpose integrated circuit, that measures and records voltage andcurrent flows and calculates the active and apparent energy usage over aperiod a time. The energy monitoring device 132 g may communicate withthe MCU 132 a through the SPI.

In addition to energy information, the MCU 132 a may also receive andprocess temperature information and monitor the temperature informationfor compliance under the conditions. If conditions are not incompliance, the MCU 132 a may send a command to deactivate. The currentflow and temperature may also be monitored and limited by the MCU 132 a.The MCU 132 a also may generate status indicators for digital or otherdisplay as appropriate.

The RF transceiver 132 b receives and decodes commands for the MCU 132 aand allows the MCU 132 a to communicate with the rest of the system, forexample, with coordinator 10. An additional role of the transceiver 132b may be to inform the MCU 132 b upon a prolonged loss of communicationswith the coordinator 10. The MCU 132 a may then take appropriate actionto indicate and address this state.

The first board 130 may include a visible status indicator, for example,an LED indicator, visible through or outside of the faceplate 170. TheLED indicator may have a plurality of colors or states each indicating adifferent status of the unit 100. For example, if the LED is off, it mayindicate that the unit 100 is offline. A red LED may indicate a fault,and a flashing red LED may indicate an imminent fault. A green LED mayindicate that the unit 100 is online and working properly, and aflashing green LED may indicate that the unit 100 is attempting to joinor rejoin the network.

Various environmental sensors, such as a light sensor, a roomtemperature sensor, a motion sensor and a carbon monoxide sensor, etc.may optionally be integrated on the first board 130. Depending on theirfunctions, these sensors may or may not have corresponding apertures onthe faceplate 170.

Second Board.

The second board 140 preferably includes screw terminals 144, a powersupply 145, and a plurality of components comprising various powersensing and controlling mechanisms. By way of non-limiting example, theplurality of second components may include voltage suppression/powerconverter device 142 a, current sense coils 142 b, control relay 142 c,Triode for Alternating Current (triac) dimming control drivers 142 d,and thermal sensor 146 c.

The second board 140 preferably includes a control relay 142 c, which isa normally open double pole double throw mechanical relay designed todisconnect the load from the mains. The control relay 142 c may respondto the normal on/off commands sent over the network or the fault signalsfrom the MCU 132 a, which generate a signal to activate or deactivatethe relay driver circuitry. It is to be understood that a solid stateversion of the relay is contemplated within the scope of the invention.

The second board 140 may also include a triac circuitry comprising and adimming control driver 142 d and a dimming control triac 142 e. Thedimming control driver 142 d is preferably an integrated circuit toamplify and translate the control signal out of the MCU 132 a to drivethe triac dimmer control 114. The dimming control triac 114 ispreferably a semiconductor device capable of the controlled conductionof current in two directions, and therefore triacs may be preferred foruse in alternating current dimming applications. A triac is controlledby a voltage pulse presented to the gate terminal of the device called atrigger. If this trigger pulse is synchronized with the start of thealternating current cycle, the device can be made to conduct on all or aportion of the cycle. By delaying the timing of the trigger pulse theduty cycle of the voltage and current waveforms are limited at the load,producing the dimming effect.

The timing and duration of the gate pulse is preferably generated by theMCU 132 a. The MCU 132 a may receive a sync pulse generated on each zerocrossing of the alternating current sine wave. This pulse starts aninternal timer, which in turn generates the trigger at the time in thecycle required to produce the level of dimming specified. Shorter timingallows the dimming control triac 114 to conduct for longer in the cycleand therefore produce less dimming. Increasing the trigger delay timeproduces a larger dimming effect.

The second board 140 preferably includes a heat sink 112. The heat sink112 is preferably able to fully dissipate the maximum power in thedimming control triac 114 in the environment while maintaining a casetemperature of less than 100° C. By way of non-limiting example, if themaximum power in the unit 100 is 23 watts for the dimming control triac114, the thermal resistance for the heat sink 112 is preferably lessthan 2.1° C./Watt. The heat sink 112 may be mounted on the back of thesecond board 140 away from the first board 130, or it may be a separatepiece from the second board 140.

Generally, electricity enters the unit 100 from the power supply 145through screw terminals 144 on the second board 140. Upon entering,power is conditioned by a voltage suppression/power converter device 142a. The voltage suppression/power converter device 142 a is designed toreduce the amount of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) which isreflected back on the mains. Devices with internal dimming circuits cangenerate large amounts of interference, and many countries requirecontrol on the magnitude of RFI generated by a dimming device.Therefore, it is preferred to reduce the RFI level, more preferably tomeet or exceed the European Union (EU) requirements for ElectricalLighting and Similar apparatus—EN55015.

The voltage suppression/power converter device 142 a may be a metaloxide varistor (MOV). The literature shows 80% of all line transientshave a duration between 1 and 10 μS and amplitudes up to 1.2 kV, whichoccur more than 10 times per day. Therefore the MOV device preferablyhas a voltage and energy rating capable of absorbing these transientwithout significant degradation over time. The MOV is preferably ratedfor a continuous 300 Volts AC with a clamping voltage of about 400volts. Preferably, the energy rating is at least 50 to 75 joules.

In one embodiment, the voltage suppression/power converter device 142 aalso includes a switching regulator, which converts the high AC voltageof the mains to a lower DC supply voltage to power. Preferably, theswitching regulator is capable of generating 5 volts and 3.3 volts.

The total current required from the low voltage switching regulator maybe about 800 ma, with an output current of 1 ampere. Given the currentrequirements of the power converter switching regulator, there areseveral other factors to consider before choosing a circuitconfiguration. First, the regulator preferably interfaces directly fromthe mains, eliminating the need for a bulky transformer, which takes upspace and may require personalization for different voltageconfigurations. Second, the output of regulator is preferablynon-isolated, thus obviating the need for an internal isolationtransformer and its associated cost and area. Third, given the highcurrents required, the regulator device is preferably mounted on a heatsink 112 to dissipate the power. Some or all of these factors may comeinto play in determining the final output specifications of theswitching regulator. The voltage suppression/power converter device 142a can also includes low-dropout (LDO) regulator to convert the +5 voltsto +3.3 volts for the MCU and wireless network radio components.

The current invention may also include several safety featuresintegrated into the unit 100. In one embodiment, several safety-relateddetectors are integrated into unit 100. For example, the second board140 may optionally include an internal thermal sensor 146 c, whichpreferably detects overload. In addition, two current sensing coils 142b monitoring currents may be included on the second board 140 to sendsignals to a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) controller 132 c and ArcFault Interrupter (AFI) controller 132 d on the first board 130.Generally, a GFI circuitry may protect people from electrical shock froma fault appliance or an accidental insertion of an object into theoutlet. An AFI circuitry may detect abnormal circuit conditions such asspikes and operating current.

Generally, the GFI controller 132 c on the first board 130 utilizes twosensing coils 142 b on the second board 140 to monitor the current flowin the high line and the neutral line of the main. These signals areamplified in an integrated circuit, which sends out a fault signal whenthe differential current exceeds 4 to 5 ma. As the GFI controller 132 cmonitors the amount of current flowing from hot to neutral, preferablyit is able to sense a mismatch as small as 4 or 5 milliamps, and canreact in milliseconds, thus removing the hazardous condition before harmcan occur. If there is any imbalance, a signal is sent from the GFIcontroller 132 c to the MCU 132 a, which then trips a control relay 142c and removes drive to the circuitry.

The AFI controller 132 d also utilizes the signals from the sensingcoils 142 b, and detects abnormal circuit conditions such as spikes inoperating current. These spikes can be caused by loose connection ordamaged wire. These conditions not only waste energy, but they couldeventually cause overheating and a fire. By monitoring the current flowand analyzing changes in conditions, the AFI controller 132 d can alsocause to trip the control relay 142 c via MCU 132 a to alleviate thehazard in case where abnormal conditions are recurring.

The second board 140 may also include a thermal sensor 146 c, forexample a temperature sensor circuit. The thermal sensor 146 c may beattached to the heat sink 112. Through the thermal sensor 146 c, the MCU132 a can monitor internal temperature and signals a fault if themaximum operating temperature, for example, 90° C., is exceeded. Thiscondition will deactivate the control relay 142 c as a safety measureand send an alert to the system. The MCU 132 a also monitors theexpected temperature based on the current operating conditions andsignal an alert if it is excessive.

Faceplate.

Unit 100 may also includes a faceplate 170, which may make unit 100aesthetically pleasing, while providing a cover to protect the othercomponents of the unit 100. The faceplate may be designed andconstructed in different materials according to the desired use. Forexample, in one embodiment, the faceplate 170 may be made from plasticmaterial as used for conventional sockets. Faceplate 170 may havereceiving portions 172 comprising apertures, which may or may notcorrespond to receiving portions on the front panel 120. The arrangementof these apertures depends on the location's electric system to receivedifferent types of electric plugs with different pin arrangements.

Front Panel.

The front panel 120 is preferably the interface by which the device 60is electrically connected to the unit 100, and is positioned between thefaceplate 170 and the first board 130 outside of the electric box.Alternatively, the unit 100 may include a front panel 120 without afaceplate 170. The faceplate 170 and front panel 120 may be separatepieces or be integrated into a single piece. In addition, the frontpanel 120 and the first board 130 may be joined physically by a couplingmechanism, for example, by one or more inserts or threaded standoffs.The front panel 120 and the first board 130 are preferably electricallyconnected by electrical wires. It is to be understood that the couplingmechanisms between the faceplate 170 and front panel 120 and betweenfront panel 120 and first board 130 may be the same or may differ,without deviating from the scope of the invention. Additionally, thefront panel 120 may be constructed and arranged to fit partially orwholly within the electrical box 600, as shown in FIGS. 4-8.

The front panel 120 may comprise one or more receiving portions 122.Depending on specific application and design, the configuration ofreceiving portions 122 correspond to and align with receiving portions172 on the faceplate 170 where applicable. The receiving portions 122serve to receive cables, plugs, cords or other means by which power canbe provided to a device attached thereto, such that the device can beelectrically connected to the unit 100. By way of non-limiting example,the receiving portions 122 can be constructed and configured to connectto various devices or apparatuses. For example, receiving portions 122may be a power plug outlets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, mini-USBports, micro-USB ports, HDMI ports, Ethernet jacks, and telephone jacks.It is to be understood that the receiving portions 122 may include anyport or jack constructed and arranged to receive a desired cord, device,etc. as a matter of application specific to design choice and is notlimited to the examples provided herein. Alternatively, one or more ofsuch ports or jacks may be integrated into faceplate 170 or one of theboards 102 as a matter of application specific design choice.Preferably, such ports or jacks are isolated from the mains to avoid themixing of high and low voltage wiring within the same box. Whereas theexamples of receiving portions 122 given generally define apertures orcavities into which a cord, device, etc. may be inserted, it is to beunderstood that receiving portions may transfer energy via conductionwithout requiring a device, cord, etc. to be physically inserted intothe receiving portion 122. For example, a device may be powered bycontacting a surface of the receiving portion 122 or simply by beingwithin a maximum distance thereto for energy to be transferred to thedevice.

The front panel 120 or first plate 130 may also include variousenvironmental sensors, such as a light sensor, a room temperaturesensor, a motion sensor and a carbon monoxide sensor. Depending on theirfunctions, these sensors may or may not have corresponding apertures onthe faceplate 170 and/or front panel 120. The light sensor may senseambient light and facilitate the system making adjustments to optimizeenergy consumption while maintaining a certain level of illumination.For example, when there is a lot of sunlight coming into the room, thesystem may dim the lights connected to units 100 to achieve a certainlevel of illumination. As the day progresses and sunlight increases ordecreases, the brightness of the lights may be adjusted accordingly tomaintain the desired level of illumination. Such a system may maximizethe use of natural light and eliminate energy being wasted on wastedlight.

The light sensor preferably can detect a luminance change range of 100times, for example, from 0.02 mw/cm² to 2 mw/cm². The room temperaturesensor preferably detects and reports the temperature of the room orspace in which the switch is located. Preferably, the effectivetemperature range is between 0 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The roomtemperature sensor may also be used to interface and control HVAC(heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. The motion sensorpreferably detects and reports the times and days of movements detected.Accordingly, the system may develop custom profiles for the location,which may facilitate anticipating customs and practices. The motionsensor preferably has a detection distance of about 10 m or more, and adetection angle of greater than about 100 degrees vertically andhorizontally. The carbon monoxide sensor preferably can detect from 1ppm to 10,000 ppm and includes an internal alarm for immediate alert,and notifies the coordinator and preferably links to safety and securityagents. Preferably, the carbon monoxide sensor has a response time ofless than 60 seconds. Any of the sensors may or may not be built intounit 100. Alternatively, one of more of these sensors may be connectedto unit 100 through one or more of the receiving portions 122.

The front panel 120 may also include a visible status indicator, forexample, an LED indicator, visible through or outside of the faceplate170. The LED indicator may have a plurality of colors or states eachindicating a different status of the unit 100. For example, if the LEDis off, it may indicate that the unit 100 is offline. A red LED mayindicate a fault, and a flashing red LED may indicate an imminent fault.A green LED may indicate that the unit 100 is online and workingproperly, and a flashing green LED may indicate that the unit 100 isattempting to join or rejoin the network. Preferably, the same boards102 and other associated components may be used in various countrieswith mains of different electric voltages. More preferably, the samefront panel 120 is used in the different countries as well, by providingreceiving portions 122 capable of receiving plugs of the variouscountries, as described in further detail below and illustrated in FIGS.3-6. Accordingly only the faceplate 170 would need to becountry-specific to receive the standard electric plug of the country asneeded. As shown in FIG. 4, the unit 100 may be used without a faceplate170.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, theboards 102 may be used with various front panels 130 having thecontacts, interface, components, etc. to provide the desired function,thus providing a system of interchangeable front panels 130. In such asystem, the same boards 102 may be installed in the electrical outletsof a building as well as in place of light switches and at the base offixtures such as ceiling fans. Then, according to the desired use of thespecified unit 100, the appropriate front panel 120 may be connectedthereto. For example, a front panel having a power outlet interface maybe provided by the bed for plugging in an alarm clock, a lamp, etc.Alternatively, a front panel having a switch interface may be providedin lieu of the power outlet interface, if the user wishes to have theswitch located there instead of an outlet.

In a toddler's room, it may be preferred to place a front panel having apower outlet interface higher above the ground to prevent the toddlerfrom touching it. The electrical boxes proximate the floor of thetoddler's room may have front panels 120 without any receiving portions122 to help prevent the toddler from getting an electrical shock.Instead, the front panels 120 may have cameras to monitor the toddler.It is to be understood that any and all the front panels 120 may havecameras if desired, as a matter of application specific design choice.Preferably, the removal and attachment of the front panel 120 is simpleenough for the user to rearrange the front panels 120 as desired,without requiring a new installation thereof.

Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 5-6provides a system in which the boards 102 and front panel 120 aresuitable for various uses, just by replacing the faceplate 170 to afaceplate 170 for the specified use. A unit 100 may also include morethan one front panels 120, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7-8. In the embodimentsshown, a second front panel 120 a connects to the front panel 120outside of the electrical box 600. Such an arrangement may be preferredin embodiments where the front panel 120 fits within the electrical box600. The second front panel 120 a as shown provides room for additionalreceiving portions, such as plug-receiving portions 122 a, UniversalSerial Bus (USB) ports 122 b, mini-USB ports 122 c, HDMI ports 122 e,Ethernet jacks 122 f, and telephone jacks 122 g. In the embodimentshown, the second front panel 120 a also includes a speaker 124 throughwhich a user may speak to someone in the room in which the unit 100 islocated.

The unit 100 may also include a microphone by which the person in theroom may speak to the user, or by which the user may listen to what ishappening in the room. For example, if the unit 100 is in a baby's room,a grandparent living in another state or country may log into the systemand watch and listen to the baby and speak to the baby as well, all viathe unit 100. If the unit 100 includes an interface having a screenthereon, like an LCD screen as shown in FIGS. 9-10, the baby can see thegrandparent's face and interact with the grandparent. Likewise, the unit100 may be used as a means for video-chat with someone in the samefacility via the local network or outside of the network via an internetconnection.

Front panel 120 may also include docking hooks or other connectingmechanisms to connect and power devices such as a phone, a cellularphone or tablet, turning the surface of the connected device into aninterface control for the unit 100.

Non-limiting examples of units 100 include an electrical outlet unit200, a switch unit 300 and a fixture unit 400, as shown in FIGS. 11-14.It is to be understood that unit(s) 100 refers to any or all electricoutlet unit 200, switch unit 300 and fixture unit 400. Likewise,component(s) of units 100 refers to corresponding component(s) ofelectric outlet unit 200, switch unit 300 and fixture unit 400. Forexample, rear panel(s) 110 refers to any or all rear panels 210, 310,410; front panel(s) 120 refers to any or all front panels 220, 320, 420;boards 102 refers to any or all boards 202, 302, 402; first board(s) 130refers to any or all first boards 230, 330, 430; second board(s) 140refers to any or all second boards 240, 340, 440; faceplate(s) 170refers to any or all faceplates 270, 370, 470; transceiver(s) 132 brefers to any or all transceivers 232 b, 332 b, 432 b.

Preferably, the electrical outlet unit 200 replaces currently existingelectrical outlets and fits inside a single gang switch box 600, forexample, in a housing having a dimension of 3 inch by 2 inch by 2.5inch, so that facilities with existing electrical outlets can beretrofitted with the electrical outlet units 200 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. In accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, the electrical outlet unit 200 can turn the device pluggedinto the electrical outlet unit 200 on or off, or dim it to anintermediate voltage level, for example, via a Triode for AlternatingCurrent (triac) phase control.

Reference is made to FIGS. 11, 15-16, wherein an electrical outlet unit200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is showncomprising a rear panel 210, one or more boards 202, a front panel 220and a faceplate 270. In the embodiment shown, the boards 202 comprise afirst board 230 and a second board 240. Preferably, the boards 202 arecircuit boards, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a breadboard, astrip board or other structure suitable for electrically connectingcomponents (collectively referred to herein as “circuit board”)positioned behind the front panel 220.

In the embodiment shown, faceplate 270 includes a plurality of receivingportions 272 which align with corresponding receiving portions 222 ofthe front panel 220 for receiving cables, plugs, cords or other means bywhich power can be provided to a device attached thereto, such that thedevice can be electrically connected to the electrical outlet unit 200.Referring to FIGS. 11 and 16, the embodiment illustrated has twoplug-receiving portions 272 a in the faceplate 270 which align with twoplug-receiving portions 222 a of the front panel 220, eachplug-receiving portion 222 a constructed and arranged to receive a powerplug, for example, to provide power to an electric device, such as atelevision, radio, toaster, lamp, computer, etc.

Other examples of receiving portions 222 include Universal Serial Bus(USB) ports 222 b, mini-USB ports 222 c, micro-USB ports 222 d, HDMIports, Ethernet jacks, and telephone jacks. It is to be understood thatthe receiving portions 222 may include any port or jack constructed andarranged to receive a desired cord, device, etc. as a matter ofapplication specific to design choice and is not limited to the examplesprovided herein. Alternatively, one or more of such ports or jacks maybe integrated into faceplate 270 or a board 202 as a matter ofapplication specific design choice. Preferably, such ports or jacks areconnected to the mains outside of the outlet box to avoid the mixing ofhigh and low voltage wiring within the same box.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the front panel 220includes plug-receiving portions 222 a constructed and designed toreceive various international configurations for a power plug,preferably most, more preferably all of the internationalconfigurations. Accordingly, the faceplate 270 may have plug-receivingportions 272 a in specific international configurations. Examples ofsuch faceplates 270 are illustrated in FIGS. 17A-H, wherein faceplate270 is constructed and designed to receive plugs having theconfigurations for the Americas and Japan (FIG. 17A), most of Europe(FIG. 17B), India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia (FIG. 17C), Belgium,France, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco (FIG.17D), The United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore,and Hong Kong (FIG. 17E), Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea andArgentina (FIG. 17F), Switzerland and Liechtenstein (FIG. 17G), andItaly and parts of Northern Africa (FIG. 17H). It is to be understoodthat FIGS. 17A-H merely show illustrations and that variations offaceplate 270 are contemplated.

Reference is made to FIG. 16, in which the front panel 220 includes twoplug-receiving portions 222 a having electrical contacts 224 constructedand arranged to contact the prongs of a plug inserted into theplug-receiving portion 222 a. The contacts 224 are preferably fed fromthree rails 225: the high rail 225 a, the neutral rail 225 b and theground line 225 c. In the embodiment shown, these rails 225 makeconnection to the mains, the power source, and ground throughconventional screw terminals 244 located on the second board 240. Thefront panel 220 also includes a USB port 222 b, an LED port 226 a for astatus LED, and additional ports 226 b for powering a room temperaturesensor, a light sensor, a motion detector or other mechanisms. Suchsensors, detectors or mechanisms may be integrated into the front panel220 or connected directly to the ports 226 a, 226 b. Alternatively, ifsuch sensors, detectors or mechanisms are provided in the faceplate 270,the contacts for the ports 226 a, 226 b are arranged on the front panel220 such that the corresponding sensors, detectors or mechanisms of thefaceplate 270 electrically connect to the contacts. The contacts maythen be electrically connected to the first board 230 via one or moreelectrical connectors 204. For example, the electrical connectors 204may be a 10-pin header connection port. As one of ordinary skill in theart would understand, alternate mechanisms for electrically connectingthe lines 225 to the mains, the components from the front panel 220 tothe boards 202, and the first board 230 to the second board 240, arecontemplated and may be used without deviating from the scope of theinvention.

The first board 230 preferably includes circuitry to provide thefunctions described above. For example, the first board 230 may includea plurality of components, preferably a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 232a, Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver 232 b, GFI controller 232 c, AFIcontroller 232 d, program flash 232 e, antenna 232 f and an energymonitoring device 232 g. GFI controller 232 c, AFI controller 232 dprocess and interpret the detected signals from the GFI 246 a and 246 b,respectively. It is to be understood that the GFI 246 a and/or AFI 246 bmay be separate or integrated into the sense coils 242 b. The antenna232 f may be integrated unto the first board 230 or provided externally,as matter of application specific design choice. The first board 230 asshown is electrically connected to the second board 240 via electricalconnectors 205, 206, preferably by eight-pin headers 205 a, 206 a oneach end of the boards 202 to receive power from the second board 240.

Preferably, commands are received and decoded in the transceiver 232 b.If the command is meant for the receiving unit, for example, if the MACaddresses match, the command may be acknowledged back to the coordinator10 and passed on to the MCU 232 a for execution. This bidirectionalinterface may facilitate the communications of commands and data betweenintegrated circuits.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the MCU 232a processes most, more preferably all, the control commands, requestsfor data and response to sensors. The MCU 232 a is preferably a 16-bitarchitecture capable of running at least a 16 Mhz cycle time. The MCU232 a preferably performs a plurality of functions. By way ofnon-limiting example, the MCU may receive and process commands from thetransceiver 232 b and acknowledge command execution to the transceiver232 b. The MCU 232 a may also receive energy data from the energymonitoring device 232 g and relay the voltage, current and/or energydata to the transceiver 232 b. The MCU 232 a preferably calculates powerfactor and notifies the coordinator 10 if the power factor of the deviceconnected to the electrical outlet unit 200 falls below a specificvalue, preferably if the power factor falls below 0.8. The MCU 232 apreferably also limits current flow based on the total wattage of theload.

The energy monitoring device 232 g is preferably a special purposeintegrated circuit which measures and records voltage and current flowsand calculates the active and apparent energy usage over a period atime. The energy monitoring device 232 g may communicate with the MCU232 a through a Serial Peripheral Interface Bus (SPI) port. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention, the MCU 232 a queriesthe energy monitoring device 232 g to report, receives the data and thenpasses it on to the transceiver 232 b for communication with the system,for example, by passing it on to the coordinator 10. Examples of datamonitored and reported on include, but is not limited to, demand linevoltage, load current, active energy, apparent energy and accumulatedenergy. Room light level and temperature may also be reported. The ratioof apparent energy to active energy can be used to calculate the powerfactor of the load. When the power factor falls below a preset value,for example, below 0.8, the system may issue a warning and shut down thedevice connected to the electrical outlet unit.

Other possible functions of the MCU 232 a include generating relayactivate/deactivate commands based on data received from the network,for example, from coordinator 10. The MCU 232 a is preferably capable ofover-the-air programming by receiving such programming or system updatesfrom the coordinator 10. The MCU 232 a may also store configurationparameters and current states for recovery via a program flash 232 h.Preferably, the MCU 232 a is expandable for further enhancements andadditions to the electrical outlet unit 200.

The MCU 232 a may receive and process line sync pulses 243 for the maininterface driver, generate timed trigger pulses for dimming based linesync and dim set points and process line sync pulses 243 for the maininterface driver, and modify the timing of dimming trigger pulses toproduce different dimming profiles.

The main interface is an integrated circuit that optically couplessignals from the mains to generate the sync pulse required by the triaccircuitry. The coupler detects each time the main AC voltage crossesthrough zero volts and generates a positive output pulse. For a standard60 cycle system, these occur every 8.33 milliseconds. These pulses areused by the triac dimming control driver 242 d to determine thebeginning of each dimming cycle and trigger the dimming control triac242 e accordingly.

The MCU 232 a preferably receives, processes, and monitors internaltemperature information of the electrical outlet unit 200 for complianceunder the conditions, and translates to the control relay 242 c todeactivate if not in compliance. The current flow and temperature mayalso be monitored and limited by the MCU 232 a. Preferably, theelectrical outlet unit 200 is capable of supporting up to 20 amps in anon/off application and 15 amps in a dimming configuration. The MCU 232 aalso may generate status indicators for digital or other display asappropriate. For example, the status may be “Connected” or “Fault.”

Whereas FIG. 15-16 show embodiments wherein the MCU 232 a and thetransceiver 232 b are separate, it is to be understood that the MCU 232a and the transceiver 232 b may be integrated into a single circuitwithout deviating from the scope of the invention. If the MCU 232 a andtransceiver 232 b are separated, the communications preferably occur ona Serial Peripheral Interface Bus (SPI).

An additional role of the transceiver 232 b may be to inform the MCU 232a upon a prolonged loss of communications with the coordinator 10. TheMCU 232 a may then take appropriate action to indicate this state. Forexample, if there is a loss of communication, the electrical outlet unit200 may default to full on.

The first board 230 preferably includes a visible status indicator, forexample, an LED indicator visible through or outside of the faceplate270. Preferably, the faceplate 270 includes one or more apertures orlenses through which the LED indicator can be seen. The LED indicatormay have a plurality of colors or states, each indicating a differentstatus of the electrical outlet unit 200. For example, if the LED isoff, it may indicate that the electrical outlet unit 200 is offline. Ared LED may indicate a fault, and a flashing red LED may indicate animminent fault. A greed LED may indicate that the electrical outlet unit200 is online and working properly, and a flashing green LED mayindicate that the electrical outlet unit 200 is attempting to join orrejoin the network.

The second board 240 preferably includes a plurality of components, byway of non-limiting example, a power supply 245, voltagesuppression/power converter device 242 a, current sense coils 242 b,control relay 242 c, triac dimming control drivers 242 d, dimmingcontrol triac 242 e, and thermal sensor 246 c. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention, units 100, including electricaloutlet units 200, switch units 300 and fixture units 400, comprise acommon second board 140, which may facilitate manufacturing,installation and interchangeability of the units 100. The illustratedsecond board 240 also contains screw terminals 244 which electricallyconnect the electrical outlet unit 200 to the mains.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 16, a heat sink 212 on which thetriac dimmer 214 is mounted is attached to the back of the second board240, preferably on the opposite side of the second board 240 from thefirst board 130. The heat sink 212 is preferably able to fully dissipatethe maximum power in the triac dimmer 214 in the environment whilemaintaining a case temperature of less than 100° C. By way ofnon-limiting example, if the maximum power in the electrical outlet unitis 23 watts for the triac dimmer 214, the thermal resistance for theheat sink is preferably less than 2.1° C./Watt.

FIG. 15 provides a block diagram for an embodiment of an electricaloutlet unit 200, illustrating its power path and signal path between thecomponents. In the embodiment shown, power enters the electrical outletunit 200 from the power supply 245, upon which it is conditioned by avoltage suppression/power converter device 242 a. The device 242 a isdesigned to reduce the amount of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)which is reflected back on the mains by the electric outlet unit 200.Devices with internal dimming circuits can generate large amounts ofinterference, and many countries require control on the magnitude of RFIgenerated by a dimming device. Therefore, it is preferred to reduce theRFI level, more preferably to meet or exceed the European Union (EU)requirements for Electrical Lighting and Similar apparatus—EN55015.

The device 242 a may be a metal oxide varistor (MOV). The literatureshows 80% of all line transients have a duration between 1 and 10 μS andamplitudes up to 1.2 kV, which occur more than 10 times per day.Therefore the MOV device preferably has a voltage and energy ratingcapable of absorbing these transient without significant degradationover time. The varistor is preferably rated for a continuous 300 VoltsAC with a clamping voltage of about 400 volts. Preferably, the energyrating is at least 50 to 75 joules.

The device 242 a illustrated also includes a switching regulator, whichconverts the high AC voltage of the mains to a lower DC supply voltageto power the electrical outlet unit 200. Preferably, the switchingregulator is capable of generating 5 volts and 3.3 volts.

The embodiment of the electrical outlet unit 200 also includes a USBcharging port 272 b. USB charging usually requires a handshake orenumeration between the host device (charger) and the USB device to becharged. This function may limit the charging current flow to the devicedepending on the level of charge required. The electrical outlet unitpreferably utilizes an application specific integrated circuit to drivethe USB port. Although the USB 3 specifications allow current draws ofup to 2 amps, practical limitation (like the current limit ofconnectors) may limit the available current, for example, to 500 ma.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the total currentrequired from the low voltage switching regulator is about 800 ma, withan output current of 1 ampere. Given the current requirements of thepower converter switching regulator, there are several other factors toconsider before choosing a circuit configuration. First, the regulatorpreferably interfaces directly from the mains, eliminating the need fora bulky transformer which takes up space and may require personalizationfor different voltage configurations. Second, the output of regulator ispreferably non-isolated, thus obviating the need for an internalisolation transformer and its associated cost and area. Third, given thehigh currents required, the regulator device is preferably mounted on aheat sink to dissipate the power as in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 16. Some or all of these factors may come into play in determiningthe final output specifications of the switching regulator.

The device 242 a preferably also includes low-dropout (LDO) regulator toconvert the +5 volts to +3.3 volts for the MCU and wireless networkradio components.

As mentioned above, there are preferably several safety relateddetectors integrated into the electrical outlet unit 200. For example,electrical outlet unit 200 preferably includes a Ground FaultInterrupter (GFI) 246 a and Arc Fault Interrupter (AFI) 246 b as well asan internal thermal sensor 246 c, which preferably detects overload. TheGFI 246 a may protect people from electrical shock from a faultyappliance or an accidental insertion of an object into the outlet. A GFI246 a monitors the amount of current flowing from hot to neutral. Ifthere is any imbalance, it preferably trips the control relay 242 c.Preferably, it is able to sense a mismatch as small as 4 or 5 milliamps,and can react in milliseconds, thus removing the hazardous conditionbefore harm can occur. An AFI 246 b detects abnormal circuit conditionssuch as spikes in operating current. These spikes can be caused by looseconnection or damaged wire. These conditions not only waste energy, butthey could eventually cause overheating and a fire. By monitoring thecurrent flow and analyzing changes in conditions, the AFI 246 b can alsotrip the control relay 242 c to alleviate the hazard in case whereabnormal conditions are recurring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the GFI 246 a utilizes two sensing coils242 b to monitor the current flow in the high line and the neutral lineof the main. These signals are amplified in an integrated circuit whichsends out a fault signal when the differential current exceeds 4 to 5ma. This signal is processed by the MCU 232 a which opens the controlrelay 242 c and removes drive to the triac circuitry comprising triacdimmer 214 and triac dimming control driver 242 d. Since the triac is afast-reacting device, the electrical outlet unit 200 preferably respondsfaster than conventional GFI circuits. Preferably, the response time isa few milliseconds as compared to 75 milliseconds in a conventionalrelay drive device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the AFI detector 246 b also utilizes thesignals from the sensing coils 242 b. This signal is presented to theanalog to digital converter input of the MCU 232 a. The digitizedsignals are processed by an auto correlation algorithm to identify thefundamental or periodic portion of the signal. Deviations from theexpected or fundamental signal can now be analyzed for amplitude andrepetitiveness. An intermittent fault caused by a defective connection,a frayed or broken wire can be detected. Because the processing requirescomplex analysis of the current wave forms to discriminate between anormal and abnormal operation, the MCU 232 a may be busy processingother commands and functions, such as dimming functions and processingenergy readings, and therefore may not be able to perform the AFIcalculations and provide a real-time response, an auxiliary MCU may beincluded in unit 100 and be dedicated to perform the correlationcalculations. After processing, the auxiliary MCU sends a signal to themain MCU 232 a, which deactivates the control relay 242 c and sends analarm to the system, preferably through the wireless network.

In the embodiment shown, a thermal sensor 246 c, for example, atemperature sensor circuit 246 c, is included with a sensor diodeattached to the heat sink 212. The MCU 232 a monitors internaltemperature of the electrical outlet unit 200 and signals a fault if themaximum operating temperature, for example, 90° C., is exceeded. Thiscondition will deactivate the control relay 242 c as a safety measureand send an alert to the system. The MCU 232 a also monitors theexpected temperature based on the current operating conditions andsignal an alert if it is excessive.

The triac dimming control driver 242 d is preferably an integratedcircuit to amplify and translate the control signal out of the MCU 232 ato drive the triac dimmer 214.

Switch Unit.

Reference is made to FIGS. 12, 18-19, wherein certain exemplaryembodiments of the switch unit 300 are shown. The switch unit 300preferably provides an interface for interaction with a user. Forexample, the switch unit 300 may have a manual switch, such as a touchslide switch, a toggle switch, a push button switch, a membrane switch,a touch pad, a touch screen and any electronic device that may make orbreak an electrical circuit, constructed and arranged to control adevice connected thereto, or a unit 100 in the system. For example, theswitch unit 300 may be connected by conventional wire(s) to one or agroup of lights, fans or units 100.

Preferably, the switch unit 300 replaces currently existing lightswitches and fits inside a single gang switch box 600. In accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, the switch unit 300 can turn on oroff or dim the lighting device electrically connected thereto.Alternatively, if the switch unit 300 controls a different device, thedimming function may be used to reduce the power provided to the device.The switch unit 300 preferably also includes a thermostat function tomonitor and control the temperature of the room in which it is located.

The boards 302 of the switch unit 300 may have some or all of thecomponents of the boards 202 of the electrical outlet unit 200,preferably with additional components. Alternatively, some of thecomponents of the boards 202 may be excluded from boards 302 of theswitch unit 300. As will be discussed below, boards 102 of units 100 ingeneral may have the same components such that a user can simply placethe desired front panel 120 to obtain the functions desired, providing afully interchangeable system. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12,18-19, the boards 302 of the switch unit include some, but not all, ofthe same components as the boards 202 of the electrical outlet unit 200and also includes some additional components. Accordingly, some of thedifferences between the illustrated embodiments of the switch unit 300and electrical outlet unit 200 will be discussed herein.

For example, the illustrated embodiments of switch unit 300 include aheat sink 312, an MCU 332 a, transceiver 332 b, energy monitor 332 c,program flash 332 d, status indicators 332 e, antenna 332 f, voltagesuppression/power converter device 342 a, current sense coils 342 b,triac dimming control drivers 342 c, dimming control triac 342 d, andthermal sensor 346, an LED port 326 a for a status LED, and additionalports 326 b, 326 c for powering a light sensor 324 a, a room temperaturesensor 324 b, a carbon monoxide detector 324 c, a motion detector 324 dor other mechanisms, screw terminals 344, wire connectors 304,electrical connectors 305, 306; but does not include a USB chargingconnection, a GFI 246 a, an AFI detector 246 b, control relay 242 c andthe associated components thereof. Therefore, if the MCU 332 a, whichmonitors internal temperature, signals a fault indicating the maximumoperating temperature is reached, the triac driver 342 c is deactivatedas a safety measure.

Similar to the electrical outlet unit 200, the transceiver 332 b of theswitch unit 300 preferably receives and decodes the commands. Somecommands, for example, the on/off and dimming commands, may be receivedfrom the system over the local network to control either the triacdimmer 214 on the switch unit 300 or relayed to another unit 100 forexecution.

The MCU 332 a of the illustrated switch unit 300 performs the samefunctions as MCU 232 a of the electrical outlet unit 200, except forrelaying activate/deactivate commands and processing signals for GFI andAFI. However, the MCU 332 a also responds to user input from the userinterface 321 of the front panel 320, such as a touch pad 322, anddisplays status on the user interface 321, such as an LCD(liquid-crystal display) display 323. The LCD display 323 is preferablycapable of displaying alpha-numeric characters and displays either theroom temperature or the dim status. Additionally, MCU 332 a translatessignals from the system and displays the status on the touch pad 322and/or relays the translated signals to joined units 100 as appropriate.The switch unit 300 may be connected via its dimmer to a load device,such as a light fixture or a fan, and thus the energy utilized by thisload device is preferably monitored and reported by the energymonitoring device 332 c to the coordinator 10.

The MCU 332 a illustrated also processes signals from one or moresensors 324, such as a light sensor 324 a, a room temperature sensor 324b, a motion sensor 324 c and a carbon monoxide sensor 324 d, andtransmits to the coordinator 10 for processing responses. The lightsensor 324 a may sense ambient light and facilitate the system makingadjustments to optimize energy consumption while maintaining a certainlevel of illumination. Preferably the light sensor 324 a can detect aluminance change range of 100 times, for example, from 0.02 mw/cm² to 2mw/cm². The room temperature sensor 324 b preferably detects and reportsthe temperature of the room or space in which the switch is located.Preferably, the effective temperature range is between 0 to 100 degreesFahrenheit. The room temperature sensor 324 b may also be used tointerface and control HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)systems. The light sensor 324 a and temperature sensor 324 b may beintegrated into the front panel 320 or connected to the front panel 320via port 326 b. Alternatively, it is to be understood that the sensorsmay be integrated into or connected to the first board 330.

The motion sensor 324 c preferably detects and reports the times anddays of movements detected. Accordingly, the system may develop customprofiles for the location, which may facilitate anticipating customs andpractices. The motion sensor 324 c preferably has a detection distanceof about 10 m or more, and a detection angle of greater than about 100degrees vertically and horizontally. The carbon monoxide sensor 324 dpreferably can detect from 1 ppm to 10,000 ppm and includes an internalalarm for immediate alert, and notifies the coordinator and preferablylinks to safety and security agents. Preferably, the carbon monoxidesensor 324 d has a response time of less than 60 seconds. The motionsensor 324 c, the carbon monoxide sensor 324 d and/or other componentsmay be connected to the front panel 320 of the switch unit 300 via aport 326 c, for example, a USB port.

Fixture Unit.

Reference is made to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14, 20-21, wherein certainexemplary embodiments of the fixture unit 400 are shown. Similar to theembodiments of the electrical outlet unit 200 and switch unit 300described herein, the fixture unit 400 is preferably powered off themains and has universal connectivity to a wide range of voltages andgeneration frequencies. An embodiment of the fixture unit 400 fits intofour by four square electrical boxes 600 currently available in the artand provides wireless control directly at the fixture 460. It hasconventional on/off capability, complemented by three different modes ofdriving the dimming function: a standard dimming control triac 442 e fortraditional applications; an analog 0 to 10 dimmer 432 g for dimming ofelectronic controllable ballasts and a pulse width control module (PWM)432 h for LED dimming. The fixture unit 400 may respond to wirelesscommands from the coordinator 10 or from a switch unit 300 to controlthe fixture 460 electrically connected thereto.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the fixture unit 400 has oneor more of a smoke, carbon monoxide and motion detectors integrated intothe fixture unit 400, either as standalone units or used in correlationwith the fixture 460. The fixture unit 400 is preferably attached to thetop of light fixtures. However, for fluorescent light fixtures, thefixture unit 400 is preferably mounted inside the troffer by theballast.

The boards 402 of the fixture unit 400 may have some or all of thecomponents of the boards 202, 302 of the electrical outlet unit 200and/or switch unit 300, preferably with additional components.Alternatively, some of the components of the boards 202, 302 may beexcluded from boards 402 of the fixture unit 400. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 20-21, the boards 402 of the fixture unit 400 includesome, but not all, of the same components as the boards 202 of theelectrical outlet unit 200 and also includes some additional components.Accordingly, some of the differences between the illustrated embodimentsof the fixture unit 400 and electrical outlet unit 200 will be discussedherein.

For example, the illustrated embodiments of fixture unit 400 include aheat sink 412, an MCU 432 a, transceiver 432 b, energy monitor 432 c,program flash 432 d, status indicators 432 e, antenna 432 f, an analogdimmer 432 g, PWM 432 h, smoke detector 432 i, motion detector 432 j,voltage suppression/power converter device 442 a, current sense coils442 b, control relay 442 c, triac dimming control drivers 442 d, dimmingcontrol triac 442 e, PWM driver 442 f, analog dimmer driver 442 g, anLED port 426 a for a status LED, and additional ports 426 b, preferablya USB port, for powering a smoke detector 432 i or motion detector 432 jor other mechanisms, a dim connector 428, screw terminals 444, wireconnectors 404, electrical connectors 405, 406; but does not include aUSB charging connection, a GFI 246 a, an AFI detector 246 b, and theassociated components thereof.

The voltage suppression/power converter device 442 a is preferably thesame as the device 242 a of the electrical outlet unit 200, with anadditional circuitry to generate a drive source for the LED and analogcontrol signal voltages.

As mentioned above, the illustrated embodiment of the fixture unit 400includes an analog dimmer driver 442 g and an LED PWM driver 442 h. Theanalog dimmer driver 442 g is a separately generated DC control signalwith a range of zero to ten volts, derived from a variable width pulseprovided from the MCU 432 a. This pulse is processed by a buck switchingregulator to generate the voltage level requirements. The analog zero toten volt dimmer will support a current source or sink of 200 milliamps.The LED PWM driver 442 f is a constant current source capable of drivingloads up to 25 watts. It preferably utilizes a driver integratedcircuit, which will be driven off the relay side of the mains and dimmedby pulses generated by the MCU 432 a.

The transceiver 432 b preferably receives and decodes commands, such asthe on/off and dimming commands, which may be received from thecoordinator 10 or a switch unit 300. In addition to the functions of thetransceiver 232 b of the electrical outlet unit 200, for embodimentshaving multiple configurations, the commands preferably control theon-board triac dimmer 442 e, analog dimmer 432 g or LED PWM dimmer 432h.

The MCU 432 a of the embodiment of the illustrated fixture unit 400performs the same functions as MCU 232 a of the electrical outlet unit200, except processing signals for GFI and AFI. However, the MCU 432 aalso processes signals from one or more sensors, such as a motiondetector 432 j and a smoke detector 432 i, and transmits to thecoordinator 10 for processing responses. The MCU 432 a also generatestimed variable duty cycle pulses to drive the analog dimmer driver 442 gand LED PWM driver 442 f, and modifies the timing of the dimming pulsewidths to produce different dimming profiles.

The motion detector 432 j preferably detects movements to activatelights or other trigger alarms. The information from the motion detector432 j may be stored and used to develop custom user profiles for thelocation. These profiles may be used to anticipate customs andpractices. The motion detector 432 j preferably has a detection distanceof about 10 m or more, and a detection angle of greater than about 100degrees vertically and horizontally. The smoke detector 432 i preferablyincludes an internal alarm for immediate alert, notifies the coordinator10 and links to safety and security agents.

The examples provided are merely exemplary, as a matter of applicationspecific to design choice, and should not be construed to limit thescope of the invention in any way.

Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out novelfeatures of the present invention as applied to preferred embodimentsthereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutionsand changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may bemade by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe invention. For example, the arrangement of the components, includingwhich components are provided on which board or front panel or faceplatemay be changed without deviating from the scope of the invention as amatter of application specific to design choice.

The communication system by which the units, coordinators and serverscommunicate may be varied as well. The system may be all wireless, allwired, or any combination thereof. The system may eliminate thecoordinator and have the units communicate with the local or remoteserver directly. The system may eliminate the local server and have thecoordinator process all the data and initiate commands to the units. Theunits may process the commands itself, as well as perform the otherfunctions of the coordinator. The units may be configured to function asa wireless router to other devices in the network via which the devicescan connect to other devices on the network or connect to the Internet.

The units may include a battery or some mechanism for retaining energy,so that the units can continue to function in the event of a blackout.The front panel itself may include a battery or some mechanism forretaining energy. For front panels having a communication mechanism,such as a microphone, speaker, screen, etc., a user may remove the frontpanel from the boards of the unit and continue using the communicationmechanism thereof. Or, the front panel may be used as a portablecharging dock, for example, for cellular phones, tablets, etc.

The units may include a surge protecting mechanism to protect the unititself and/or the device connected thereto from a sudden surge inelectricity. The faceplate or front panel may attach to the electricalbox and not directly to the boards. The unit may include a housing inwhich the boards, or the boards and the front panel, or the boards, thefront panel and the faceplate are housed, providing a unitary device.

It is to be understood that whereas the term “coordinators” is usedherein, the referred to “coordinators” need not “coordinate.” Rather, acoordinator may be connected to a single unit, or have a singlefunction, or varied in any way such that it may not be considered“coordinating,” without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Snap-in Power Lines

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-23, a unit 1100 includes afaceplate 1170, a rear panel 1110, a front panel 1120 and boards 1102.As shown, rear panel 1110 includes a plurality of screw terminals 1114,a neutral screw terminal 1114A, a ground screw terminal 1114B, and a hotscrew terminal 1114C, to connect to the main, a power source and ground,preferably via wires in the wall, beneath the floor, above the ceiling,etc. The wires are preferably wound around the screws of the screwterminals 1114 to permit current flow between the wires and the screwterminals 1114.

Reference is made to FIGS. 24-28, in which an embodiment of a system andunit 1200 are shown. FIG. 24 shows the back of a rear panel 1210 havinga plurality of terminals 1214 constructed and arranged to receivecorresponding connectors 1250. Each terminal 1214 as shown defines acavity for receiving a connector 1250, which is preferably crimped ontoa wire. FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of three wires extending from awall, each wire connected to a connector 1250. The wires are separatedinto neutral, hot and ground, and can be inserted into the respectiveterminals 1214 of unit 1200. Unit 1200 as shown includes a neutralterminal 1214A, a ground terminal 1214B and a hot terminal 1214C.Preferably, the terminals 1214 and connectors 1250 are color-coded toidentify which connector 1250 should be inserted into which terminal1214. Alternatively or in combination thereto, the different connectors1250 may have a different size and/or shape, so that it may only beinserted into its corresponding terminal 1214 having the same sizeand/or shape cavity. Whereas the terminals 1114 and connectors areillustrated as cavities and inserts, respectively, one of ordinary skillin the art would appreciate that other mechanisms and arrangements maybe used and are contemplated without deviating from the scope of theinvention.

Preferably, an electrician separates the wires from within the wall,floor or ceiling, or from behind or extending through the electricalbox, into neutral, ground and hot, and crimps on or otherwise attachesthe connectors 1250 to the respective wires. Once the connectors 1250are attached to the wires, a user may insert the respective connectors1250 into the corresponding terminals 1214 of unit 1200. This preferablyfacilitates removing or replacing unit 1200 from the wall, floor,ceiling, or wherever the wires are.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, units 1100, 1200 includeadditional ports, such as a coaxial cable port, an optical port and anEthernet port, such as a CAT 5 port.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a kit preferablyincludes a crimper 1260 as shown in FIG. 28 and a plurality ofconnectors 1250. The kit may also include one or more units 1200 or rearpanels 1210. If a rear panel 1210 is provided, the existing rear panel1110 of a unit 1100 having screw terminals 1114 may be replaced with therear panel 1210 to render the units suitable for use with connectors1250. Preferably, the crimper 1260 can cut the wire prior to crimpingthe connector 1250 onto it. It is to be understood that different toolsfor attaching connectors 1250 to the wires can be used and/or provided,and the kit may include additional items without deviating from thescope of the invention.

The connectors 1250 may be used with other electrical outlets withoutunit 1200. The rear panel 1210 or another panel having terminals 1214may be attached to existing outlets or other electrical outlets tofacilitate removal and/or replacement of such outlets, or the terminals1214 may be connected directly to the outlets. Therefore, outlets havingterminals 1214 may be replaced by a user without the need to call amechanic or handling potentially dangerous wires.

In the embodiment illustrated, the connectors 1250 are inserted intoterminals 1214 whereupon it can snap into place so that it is notinadvertently dislodged. However, it is to be understood that any othermechanism for connecting connectors 1250 to terminals 1214, preferablymechanisms which prevent inadvertent disconnection thereof, arecontemplated and included. Non-limiting examples include threadedconnectors and terminals, magnets, hook-and-eye connectors, adhesives,sliding mechanisms, straps, etc.

Visible Light Communication System

Li-Fi Capabilities. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention,the system uses a light network, for example, an LED (light-emittingdiode) light network, referred to generally herein as Li-Fi (lightfidelity) wireless communication system by which the units 100 maycommunicate with other units 100 and/or other devices. A Li-Fi systemmay be preferred to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂)emission. A Li-Fi system may also provide a faster rate of datatransfer, a more secure network, and a greater capacity, for example,compared to a WiFi system. Generally a Li-Fi system is free fromneighboring network and radio interference, and prevents a third partyfrom piggy-backing on the network or intercepting data being transmittedwithout a clear line of sight of the transmitter. Another potentialbenefit of a Li-Fi system is the ability of use in electromagneticsensitive areas such as aircrafts, hospitals and nuclear power plants,without causing electromagnetic interference.

One of more units 100 preferably are capable of wirelessly chargingdevices, by way of non-limiting example, smartphones and tablets. Inaccordance with an embodiment, such wireless charging may beaccomplished over a Li-Fi system.

Devices within the network, such as appliances, electronics, ceilingfixtures, alarm systems, etc. may include identifiers, such as computerchips, for example, RFID chips, which include data regarding suchdevice.

RFID Tracking and Monitoring

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more units 100include RFID readers for reading RFID tags on assets, vehicles, people,animals, etc. The RFID tags are preferably included in a device referredto herein as “badge devices.” Such a system may provide monitoring oftheir movement, permitting or preventing access to certain areas,opening of the gate for vehicles before the vehicle arrives, thuseliminating the need to stop at the gate, tracking the movement ofassets, monitor environmental conditions of certain areas in which theRFID tag is located, etc. For example, if every patient in a hospitalhas a badge device on them, every time they are moved from room to room,the units 100 that he passes will scan his badge and record hislocation, vitals and environmental conditions. The system may provide alink to the patient's schedule, such that if the patient is moved to animproper room, for example, the MRI room instead of the X-ray room, thesystem may send a notification to the nurse, nurse's station, etc. Sucha system may be useful for keeping track of patients with a tendency towander or are disoriented, such as patients with dementia or braintrauma.

Tags may also be attached to or placed proximate medical supplies, andmay provide information on the environment of such supplies. Forexample, the temperature, humidity and other environmental conditionsmay be critical for certain supplies. Therefore, it may be preferred tohave tags in certain rooms, attached to containers, carts, equipment,etc. to monitor the environmental conditions of such medical devicesregardless of where such devices are located. The system may alsoprovide a report on the results of the reads for a user or the raw datafor the user to use as he sees fit.

Non-limiting examples of uses of RFID tags with an embodiment of thesystem include, but is not limited to, paying bills, identification andauthentication of the item or person based on RFID tag data, andauthentication of assets wherein a counterfeit would lack the properRFID tag data. The units 100 or RFID tags can be used as a point-of-saledevice by which customers can order and/or pay for items or services.

One example of an RFID reader suitable for use with the system is anActive Reader Passive Tag (ARPT), which may transmit interrogatorsignals and receive authentication replies from passive RFID tags.Alternatively, a Passive Reader Active Tag (PRAT) may be used incorrelation with active RFID tags.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the tags and readersare compatible regardless of the country of origin or location, suchthat when a carrier of a tag travels from one country to another, thetag may be read and its data accessed by a reader in the country ofdestination.

Biometrics

An embodiment of the system includes badge devices having biometricdata. For example, the system may include reading devices such as retinaor fingerprint scanners, or any other device for obtaining biometricdata. The person/animal's (the “carrier”) badge device preferably hasthe carrier's biometric data comprised of one or more types of biometricinformation stored therein. The biometric data may also include multipleimages of the iris, multiple scans of the same or different fingers, oneor more recordings of the carrier's voice, etc.), in accordance withmultimodal biometric systems to enhance correct analysis. After thereading device obtains biometric data from the person/animal beingscanned, the system compares the obtained biometric data to thecarrier's biometric data read from the badge device. If the biometricdata do not match, an alert may be sent and the person/animal may bedenied access to an area or whatever protocol is in place is preferablyexecuted.

Sensors and Alerts

The units 100 may include one or more sensors to detect certainsituations, after which the system may provide an alert to the user,service provider, etc. or execute the predetermined protocol.Non-limiting examples of such situations include (1) water leak andflooding, by detecting water on a unit 100 or on a detector laying onthe floor or other desired location; (2) poor air quality by countingparticle content of the air or by gathering and/or analyzing informationabout concentrates such as nitrogen and carbon; (3) excessive carbonmonoxide by detecting carbon monoxide content; (4) presence of hazardouschemicals or bombs by detecting odors or scents and triangulating thelocation of its source based on the readings of multiple units 100 ordevices in the system; and (5) transfer of pathogens, bacteria or othercontaminants by detecting odors or scents.

Odors or scents may be detected by using an electronic nose preferablyusing mass spectrometry or gas chromatography. Non-limiting examples ofelectronic noses include metal-oxide-semiconductor devices, conductingpolymers, and polymer composites.

The system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may alsodetect leaks by measuring pressure or flow in pipelines, using acousticpressure wave method, and/or balancing methods, which includestatistical methods to analyze pressure/flow at a point or imbalance,Real-Time Transient Model (RTTM), Extended RTTM (E-RTTM), and bubbleemission method.

A unit 100 may also include a variety of sensors, such aselectromagnetic sensors and proximity sensors, including capacitivephotoelectric sensors and inductive proximity sensors. Proximity sensorspreferably detect the presence and location of objects within range, andmay facilitate documenting and managing changes to the physical layerconnectivity and assets of a building, area or structure.

A unit 100 may include a light sensor suitable for use as an opticaldetector to detect smoke. One example of an optical detector includes alight source (incandescent bulb or infrared LED ((Light-EmittingDiodeC)), a lens to collimate the light into a beam, and a photodiode orother photoelectric sensor at an angle to the beam as a light detector.In the absence of smoke, the light passes in front of the detector in astraight line. When smoke enters the optical chamber across the path ofthe light beam, some light is scattered by the smoke particles,directing it at the sensor and thus triggering the alarm. When the beambecomes less visible to the “eye” of the sensor, the optical detectorsends an alarm signal, for example, to the fire alarm control panel ofthe unit 100 or to another device in the system.

As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, other detectorsand/or detection methods may be used without deviating from the scope ofthe invention. For example, an ionization smoke detector may be used,which are typically more sensitive to the flaming stage of fires thanoptical detectors. Another detector may be air-sampling smoke detectors,which detect microscopic particles of smoke. Examples of air-samplingsmoke detectors include, but are not limited to, aspirating smokedetectors which actively draw air through a network of pipes above orbelow a ceiling. The air-sampling smoke detectors may be used to triggerautomatic responses, such as activate a gaseous fire suppression system,sprinklers, etc.

The system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may alsoinclude one or more flame detectors, preferably incorporated with one ormore units 100. Non-limiting examples of such flame detectors includeoptical sensors to detect flames, ionization flame detectors which mayuse current flow in the flame to detect the presence of flames, andthermocouple flame detectors. Any single or combination of opticalsensors may be used alone or with other sensors/detectors. Examples ofoptical sensors include ultraviolet (UV) detectors, near infrared (IR)array flame detectors, IR flame detectors, UV/IR flame detectors, DualIR (IR/IR) flame detectors, and Triple IR (IR3) flame detectors.

The system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may provideemergency light in certain situations. For example, a unit 100 mayinclude a light that illuminates when the unit 100 goes into alarm, ifan emergency situation is detected, or when a predetermined condition ismet. In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of units 100 and/orother devices in the system light up, illuminating a path to theemergency exit, along a hallway or staircase, etc. The lights may beconsistently on during the situation, or strobe in sync or in sequenceto indicate the direction of the exit.

Additionally, the system may provide alert mechanisms, for example, inemergency situations. The units 100 or other devices in the system mayinclude alarms that sound in emergency or predetermined conditions.Preferably, if one or more units 100 detect an emergency orpredetermined condition, alarms will sound on other units 100 in thesystem, according to the setting and condition. For example, the usermay set it such that all the units 100 in the building will sound.Alternatively, only the units 100 on the same floor or wing as thecondition-detecting unit may sound, or the floor and the floor above it,for example, if the condition-detecting unit 100 detected smoke.

The system may include other detectors and/or sensors in one or moreunits 100 or other devices in the system. Such detectors and sensorsinclude, but is not limited to, nondispersive infrared (NDIR) carbondioxide sensors, carbon monoxide detectors such as biomimetic sensors,electrochemical sensors, semiconductor sensors, detecting quartz crystalmicrobalance, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using surfaceacoustic waves.

NoSQL.

The system may use NoSQL, or other non-relational databases to store andretrieve data.

3D Imaging

An embodiment of the system may have a custom 3D mapping featureincluding at least a sensor, such as an infrared sensor, or an RFIDreader/tag. The feature may allow buildings, rooms, floors, structures,spaces, etc., and its contents to be scanned to create mapping of itsinterior. Various areas or zones within the buildings, rooms, floors,structures, spaces, etc. may be separately scanned and stored to provideaccess to one or more groups of users, each having a different level ofaccess. Depending on the security and/or other restrictions, users mayhave full or varying degrees of accessibility to the stored data.Furthermore, scanning and mapping may be provided in real time, such asdaring emergency situations, to provide relevant, up-to-date informationas to the location of persons or objects, at the time such informationis needed.

Voice Command Speech Recognition

An embodiment of the system may include a voice command feature as a wayto control various systems or functions within a building structure. Forexample, a user may use the voice command feature to turn the lights (oralarm system, or home theater system, etc.) on and/or off. The voicecommand feature may also include the ability to answer questions,answers to which may be found on the local hard drive or other types ofstorage device, or on the internet. The voice command feature mayinclude a microphone to broadcast the response.

Preferably, appliances or objects within the system may be controlledusing the voice command feature. Different voices are preferablydifferentiated and accents or dialectal influences are preferablyignored. The system may also respond to several commands at once andallow commands and/or responses be customized. The system may keep ahistory of recent commands, accessible vocally or through other means,such as via a touch-screen.

The voice command feature may be used with speech recognition softwareto generate closed captioning of conversations in real time, and alsoinclude voice recognition capabilities.

Wireless Intrusion Prevention System

The system may act as wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS), bymonitoring the radio spectrum for the presence of unauthorized accesspoints, and may automatically take countermeasures.

Energy Harvesting

The system may include an energy harvesting component that harvestsenergy from its surrounding environments, which may have wirelesscapabilities. A unit 100 or other device in the system may include anenergy sensor to sense the availability of energy and communicate withthe energy harvesting component to capture such energy. The energyharvested may be stored in small, wireless devices and used to powerlow-energy electronics. The system may also include a capacitor toensure adequate power storage and/or to bridge intervals when no energycan be harvested.

The system may comprise a network of sensors and relays. These may bebattery-less and wireless devices and may communicate with each otherusing a variety of communication standards, such as WiFi, Li-Fi, GSM,Ethernet/IP, BACnet, LON, KNX, DALI, etc. The system may also have asoftware component that processes and interprets the energy datareceived. The system may also have a processing unit to process all thedata received, rather than have a distributed processing model.

The system may convert all types of non-electric energy into electricenergy. Energy may be harvested from solar, geothermal, thermal, wind,salinity gradients, airflow gradient, electromagnetic, optical and radiofrequency, and kinetic energy. Other energy source may also include, butis not limited to, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, thermalelectric,electrostatic, magnetic induction, metamaterial, human power,biomechanical, pedal power, electroactive polymers, nanogenerators andnoise.

When the system is implemented within a building, it may harvest energyfrom within the building and use such generated energy to power itselfor other systems, appliances or devices including wearable devices,requiring the consumption of energy. For example, the system may harvestenergy from running water within the pipes within the building; it mayalso harvest energy from equipment, for example, a treadmill, or fromoccupants of the building. Other examples include, but are not limitedto, harvesting energy created from mechanical motion using anelectrodynamic energy convertor or using a miniaturized solar modulegenerating energy from light as the source of energy and converting sameto electrical energy. The system may also combine a peltier element witha DC/DC ultra-low-voltage converter that may use heat as an energysource.

The harvested energy may be used to charge or operate a wide range oflow-power devices. By way of non-limiting example, it may be used topower devices including GPS or RLTS tracking tags, wearable medicalsensors, consumer electronics such as e-book readers and headsets,remote sensors for HVAC control and building automation, structuralmonitoring, and industrial control. Depending on the power requirementsand system operation, power can be sent continuously, on a scheduledbasis, or on-demand.

The system may include components to create a network of transmitters ina facility that may provide wireless power on a room-by-room basis, orfor a many-to-many charging topology. Devices such as mobile phones maybe included as portable power sources for a number of battery-freewireless devices. For example, a mobile phone may power a battery-less,body-worn sensor that sends data to the phone via a commonly usedprotocol, including, but not limited to Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Bluetooth, orZigBee. This data may be displayed locally on the sensor, or the mobilephone or transmitted by the phone to a monitoring service.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system harvests ambient radiowaves. The embodiment includes an antenna that sense and receive RFsignals, an RF-to-DC converter, a power conditioner and an output toload. The embodiment preferably maintains a high RF-to-DC conversionefficiency over a wide operating range. It preferably includes RFenergy-harvesting circuits that accommodate multi-band or widebandfrequency ranges, and automatic frequency tuning to further increase thepower output, expand mobility options, and simplify installation.

The embodiment may use radio protocol uses 315 MHz and 902 MHz frequencybands in the US. The sub1 GHZ radio waves have twice the range of 2.4GHz signals for the same energy budget, and better penetration withinbuildings. As way of reference and comparison, duplicating the energyharvesting wireless system at 2.4 GHz system requires about four timesmore receiver nodes to cover the same area. Therefore, RF reliabilitymay be assured because wireless signals are just 0.7 milliseconds induration and may be transmitted multiple times for redundancy. The rangeof energy harvesting wireless sensors may be about 900 ft in an openfield and up to 90 ft inside buildings. In comparison to 315 MHz, the902 MHz modules may allow for integration into very small productenclosures due to short antenna length.

Industrial Control System

An embodiment of the system preferably includes an industrial controlsystem (ICS) that may encompass several types of control systems used inindustrial production, including supervisory control and dataacquisition (SCADA) systems, distributed control systems (DCS), andother smaller control system configurations such as programmable logiccontrollers (PLC) often found in the industrial sectors and criticalinfrastructures. The system may also apply network access control (NAC).

Emergency Back-Up Battery

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the system mayinclude a back-up battery system. One or more back-up battery rooms maybe provided to house batteries or other power sources to power thefacility, building, etc. should the primary source of power beunavailable, such as in a black-out. Alternatively or in combination,units 100 may include a back-up battery for providing power to thedevices connected thereto, preferably if the primary source of powerbecomes unavailable.

Buildable System

An embodiment of the invention includes a buildable system whereincomponents, devices, systems, etc. connect to the system of theinvention physically, electronically or via a network to transmit orreceive data. For example, one or more of the components of the units100 (or other devices) of the system may include one or more connectingmechanisms, such as pegs or other projections or a receiving cavity viawhich another device can connect to the system. Alternatively, there maybe a chip proximate the surface of the component with which a device cancommunicate by contacting it or being proximate to it. The device mayattach to the unit 100 magnetically, or be fixed to the unit 100 viastraps, snaps, clips, adhesive, Velcro, screw, or any other mechanismsuitable for retaining the device in position.

The connecting mechanisms may be located anywhere on the unit 100, be itthe faceplate or front panel, which may be easiest to access, or theboards, rear panel or the electrical box. If the device is connected viaa connecting mechanism to a board, rear panel or electrical box, thedevice is preferably hidden beneath the faceplate or front panel.However, a device may be connected via a cable or wire or somehowconnected to a connecting mechanism beneath the faceplate or front paneleven if the device itself is not.

Once connected, the device can communicate with the unit 100electrically or such that data can flow between the unit 100 and thedevice. Therefore, a device without wireless functionality, such as theability to connect to a WiFi network, may be able to transmit and/orreceive data to/from the system and ultimately to the user. The devicesthemselves may have one or more connecting mechanism to which furtherdevices can connect to the system.

The system may also include light fixtures, ceiling fans, airconditioning units, security cameras, security keypads, interfacemechanisms, which connect to a unit 100 and/or communicate with a systemin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Whereas the expandable system was described herein as having devicesconnect to units 100, it is to be understood that such devices mayconnect to any device or component of the system, includingtransmitters, coordinators, etc. as well as appliances or other devicesin communication with the system, and is not limited to units 100.

Unmanned Crafts.

FIGS. 29-31 are directed to the integration of unmanned crafts into thenetworked system of Units, coordinators and servers of the presentinvention. The unmanned crafts can take the form of unmanned flyingaircrafts, terrestrial crafts and combinations of unmanned flying andterrestrial crafts. The navigation and control systems for these craftsare depicted in FIG. 29 as system 2900. System 2900 may include a craftcontroller unit 2910 that may receive manual inputs from devices 2905,automatic inputs 2980 coordinated by processor 2915, various inputscoming from different mechanical components for the craft and/or variouscombinations of any or all of the foregoing.

Processor 2915 receives inputs from and coordinates the inputs fromunits 100, 200, 300, 1100, 3020 and 3070 (the “Unit(s)”), which mayoperate to communicate with unmanned craft 3080 and system 2900including through processor 2915 as will be more fully set forth herein.It will be understood that processor 2915 may be separate as shown or bea part of craft controller 2910. It will be further understood that oneor more processors may be utilized in the invention and that theprocessor 2915, craft controller 2910 may include one or moretransceivers. Network system 2920 coordinates information from theentire network of Units that provide positioning coordinates throughoutfloors, buildings, outdoor spaces and combinations, in which they areinstalled and may act as flight beacons for craft 3080 as it navigatesthrough the floors, buildings and exterior regions; see for example FIG.31 for the array of Units throughout the floors and buildings. System2920 also communicates with coordinators 10, routers 20 and local andremote servers 30 and 40 respectively. It will be understood from a fullreading of the disclosure that craft 3080 will have many different modesof navigation, in various environments, including without having anyaccess to the Units.

Processor 2915 also receives input from GPS system 2925, accelerationand velocity system 2930 (“Inertial System”), gyroscopic system 2940,geomagnetic and compass system 2945, camera system 2950, sensory system2960 and attitude sensory system 2970. The attitude sensory system maymeasure altitude, pitch, yaw and other positional parameters regardingcraft 3080 and may operate with gyroscopic system 2940 to provideinformation to processor 2915 and operate responsive to craft controller2910 to stabilize and provide flight control information for craft 3080.Craft controller 2910 may transmit instructions to craft 3080 to operateand control craft propeller systems 2986, articulating arm system 2985,motor attitude system 2987 and each of them alone or in combination tonavigate and fly craft 3080. While it is anticipated that systems 2990will be located on board craft 3080, it will be understood from theoverall description in this specification and as understood by oneskilled in the art that other variations may be possible. It will alsobe understood that the systems 2990 will be located in a manneradvantageous to craft 3080 including insofar as weight distribution,electrical interference and other factors.

Craft 3080 may have on board components that may include arms system3081 which may include stationary or articulating arms (FIG. 30C) thatoffer resistance to air flight and may change the flight dynamics. Bycontrolling the articulation of the arms system and arms 3081 and/or3084, different flight dynamics may be controlled, altered and/orimplemented, including control of the profile of craft 3080 furtherincluding the craft's wingspan. Further, rotor system controller 2986controls the rotational direction and speed of craft rotors 3082 and mayoperate through and actuator (not shown) and rotatively couple to rotors3082. In the illustrated embodiments, craft 3080 has four craft rotors3082 a, 3082 b, 3082 c and 3082 d. Any number of craft rotors may beutilized as is known in the art. Rotor controller 2986 operates at thedirection of craft controller 2910 to individually control each rotor3082 in a manner to control the rotational direction and speed of eachof the craft rotors 3082, together with systems 2985 and 2987 in amanner which permits craft 3080 to ascend, descend, rotate, moveforward, move backward, move sidewise, diagonally and any combination ofthe foregoing. Likewise, the arms system may position arms 2081 and/or2084 (FIG. 30C), which too, may offer resistance to air flight and maychange the flight dynamics of craft 3080. Rotor attitude system 2987 maylargely be controlled by arms articulation system 2985, however, it mayinclude sensors that provide information regarding drag coefficientscaused by the relative position of the motor housings 3090. Craftcontroller 2910 receives input from arms system 2985, rotor controller2986 and motor attitude system 2987 and provides instructions andcoordinates all craft system inputs to these systems to operationallycontrol craft 3080's flight and navigation parameters and aerodynamics.Craft controller 2910 may include further include on-board processorsand system controllers to effectively control and operate craft 3080 invarious environmental conditions that may include temperature, wind,humidity, light, visibility and other conditions which craft 3080 mayencounter. Craft controller 2910 also coordinates the navigational andflight dynamics further in view of the information and inputscommunicated to it from processor 2915 and/or manual control system2905.

Turning now to manual control system 2905, input to craft 3080 throughcraft controller 2910, may be made by various devices including throughportable smart devices 50, which may include smart phones, tablets,iPads and the like, desk top computers and systems 50 and joy-stickstyled controllers 50A. The manual control system may be used to controlthe flight of craft 3080 in its entirety or more preferable, used tocontrol craft 3080 in combination with the feed-back of the automatedsystems of craft controller 2910. It may also be desirable to controlcraft 3080 entirely using only automated systems of craft controller2910.

An embodiment of the present invention will now turn to the systems andinputs reporting to and coordinated by processor 2915.

Network system 2920 may receive sensed conditions through communicationssystem 2921 audio, video, camera, radio frequency, motion, thermal,occupancy and other sensors from each Unit in the network for whichnetwork system 2920 receives information through com system 2921. TheUnits provide, for example, video, audio and RF detection andpositioning information for craft 3080. This information is communicatedwith network system 2920 via network com system 2921 which may includevarious radio frequency and wireless modes of communication and may beutilized by craft 3080 as positional and navigational guidanceinformation. It may be utilized to guide craft 3080 to a particularUnit(s) in a building or person or event detected by a Unit. Craft 3080may fly to various locations for which there are no available Unitsreporting on the environmental or electrical conditions and utilize itsown sensors to measure the conditions at its given location. It will beunderstood that craft 3080 may optionally have a selection of sensors oreach and every sensor utilized and described in connection with theUnits. It is also understood that such sensors may be distributedthroughout the craft or be concentrated in one or several locations thatmay optimize their use.

GPS system 2925 in one embodiment is on-board craft 2080 and functionsto provide positional and guidance information to assist in thenavigation of craft 3080. It can be programmed to provide flight pathsfor craft 3080 and can be programmed to guide craft 3080 to its homebase or place of origin of any given flight. It may further provideguidance to hone in on and dock at other docking stations 3030 (FIGS.30A-C) for recharging or any other purpose dictated by the automatedsystem or stakeholder operating or configuring the operations of thecrafts. Should GPS be unavailable to craft 3080, it will operate usingany one of the numerous other systems set forth herein thisspecification.

Acceleration and velocity system 2930 may measure velocity of craft 3080including acceleration and deceleration, which are reported to processor2915. In a preferred embodiment this system an accelerometer is on-boardcraft 3080, however, it should be understood there are many differentmechanisms and systems available both on-board and remotely of craft3080 to provide and track such information.

Gyroscopic system 2940 is in a preferred embodiment on-board craft 3080.The information is communicated to processor 2915 and used by craftcontroller 2910 to fly craft 3080 in a controlled and stable mannernotwithstanding the various environmental conditions affecting thecraft.

Geomagnetic system 2945 is in a preferred embodiment a compass but itshould be understood that this system may operate in various mannersutilizing various geomagnetic systems and inputs.

Visual system 2950 is an optical system that may use a camera tonavigate the craft 3080 with or without resort to GPS. It can also teamwith other systems to navigate craft 3080. For example, it can team upwith the acoustic or audio system to help guide craft 3080 whenappropriate, as determined, for example, by craft controller 2910 orconditions that negatively impact visual or other signals such a smokeand the like. It may also team with networked sensors employed by theUnits.

Sensory system 2960 includes a panel or circuit board and/or microchipthat may include, for example, infrared detection, thermal detection,acoustic detection, laser detection, RADAR, RFID, wireless transceiversand other systems that may identify stationary or other moving objects,structures such as partitions, walls, buildings hot spots as well as theidentification of mammals and human beings. Positioning and detection ofall of the detected objects, structures and personnel may becommunicated with processor 2915 and craft controller 2910 to befactored into navigating craft 3080 to avoid collisions, to track movingobjects and follow moving objects. Other maps of structures, flightpatterns and the like may be pre-programmed into processor 2915. Othersensory systems that may aid in the navigation of craft 3080 may also beutilized in various combinations depending on the environment in whichcraft 3080 is operating.

Sensors 2970 may include all of the sensors that were describedhereinbefore with respect to the Units and particularly faceplates 170,270, 370, 1170, 3070 and in related figures throughout thisspecification and in FIGS. 9, 10, 17 and 30. For example, faceplates3070 as depicted in FIG. 30 may contain methane sensors, light sensors,thermal sensors, RFID and other wireless transceiver systems,temperature sensors, motion and occupancy sensors as more full explainedwithin this specification. Faceplate 3070 may also contain variousprocessors that communicate with sandbox 3020, craft 3080 and the like.Craft 3080 may likewise include these sensors which it may utilize afterit separates from docking system 3030. Accordingly, both craft 3080 andfaceplate 2070 may contain redundant and/or duplicate sensors so thatboth have a full array of functioning sensors when craft 3080 separatesfrom docking system 3030. Alternatively, craft 3080, faceplate 3070 orsandbox 3020 may contain the full array of sensors and processors. Thecraft, faceplate and sandbox may contain a subset of the array ofsensors, which may together then make up a full array of the availablesensors; or the craft, faceplate and other components of the Units maycontain various subsets of the array of sensors as are necessary and/ordesirable for any networked installation of Units and craft systems. Itis also contemplated that craft 3080 after it separates from dockingsystem 3030 may utilize the sensors in the network of sensors located infaceplates and sandboxes throughout the system of Units, an example ofwhich is depicted in FIG. 31. The Units throughout the floor or buildingor network will detect or sense the particular conditions, thresholds orenvironmental and electrical conditions and may then be able tocommunicate the condition(s) directly to craft 3080, using the varietyof communication means and protocols, wireless or otherwise, within theUnits, communication system 2921 and/or may communicate the variouscondition or conditions to and through coordinators 10, routers 20 andservers 30 and/or 40 which may in turn communicate the conditions tocraft 3080. It is likewise understood that craft 3080 may communicatevarious conditions to the Units, coordinators 10, routers 20 and/orservers 30 or 40 or combinations thereof. Additionally, processor 2915may likewise operate to communicate the various conditions back to theUnits through various pathways of Units, controllers, coordinators andservers as described above, through, for example, system 2920 and 2921.An embodiment also contemplates craft controller 2910 and/or processor2915 having at least one transceiver, through which such information maybe communicated and/or received.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-1,2, 30B and 30C-1 through 3, these figures aredirected to various docking station configurations, craft configurationsand assembly of these systems for a given Unit. In FIG. 30A-1, Unit 100in a preferred embodiment has a faceplate unit 3070 and a sandbox unit3020 that may include the front plate 1120, boards 1102 and back plate1110, all of which in one embodiment may make up sandbox 3020. Sandbox3020 may be activated when it engages faceplate 3070. In anotherembodiment faceplate 3070 may include a securing member 3071 that isaffixed to the faceplate 3070, having bolts 3072 that engage fixture3075 that may contain LED lights 3076. Faceplate 3070 may contain thesame components as sandbox 3020 or may share components to achievedesirable engineering advantages. In yet another embodiment, lights 3076may be replaced with rotors (not shown) that are driven by motors thatconvert fixture 3075 into a fan. The fixture 3075 may also include bothLED lights and rotors and be utilized as a light fixture and fan. Thefaceplate 3070 may thus include all of the foregoing components andbecome a faceplate light fixture, faceplate fan fixture or faceplate fanand light fixture. Electricity for the fixture 3075 and its componentsmay be provided by virtue of connectors 3073 which are described in moredetail in connection with FIGS. 26-28 in this specification. Anotherembodiment may incorporate the sandbox 3020 into fixture 3075 and may bepowered by connectors 3073. Various combinations of sandbox, faceplate,fixture and connector combinations are contemplated as well as variousmounting mechanisms, including using, for example, a rod or pole tomount with fixture 3075 that may allow the fixture to be mounted on aceiling or wall at a given distance from the ceiling or wall.

The fixture 3075 may also be used in conjunction with craft 3080. In anembodiment, it may operate as a docking station for craft 3080. In thisembodiment, fixture 3075 may include magnets that when activated engagecraft 3080 and hold the craft in a locked position until the magnets aredisengaged whereupon craft 3080 may be free to move away from fixture3075. In an embodiment, the magnets are electromagnets, which may beengaged and disengaged to lock or release craft 3080. The electromagnetsmay be strips 3030 that are designed to mirror the shape of craft arms3081 or a magnetic material 3083 that is affixed to or incorporated ontocraft 3080; see FIG. 30A-2. Alternatively, for example, four individualelectromagnets 3035 may be utilized on the fixture 3075 to engage withfour corresponding areas of a magnetic material 3083 that are located onsurfaces 3083 opposite of craft rotors 3082; see FIG. 30A-1. In otherembodiments the number and design of the electromagnets may vary as wellas the number and design of the placement of magnetic material on craft3080 in a manner to ensure that upon engagement or disengagement of theelectromagnets, craft 3080 becomes securely yet releaseably affixed tofixture 3075. In yet another embodiment and while craft 3080 is securelyengaged to fixture 3075, the rotors of craft 3080 may be energized androtate causing airflow that would simulate a fan.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 30B contains most of the correspondingand like numbered components of FIGS. 30A-1 and 2, which function in thesame manner as set forth in the above description with reference toFIGS. 30A-1 and 2. In this embodiment fixture 3075 contains LEDs (notshown) on the back surface 3078, which produce back lighting. The onemagnet 3030 corresponds to magnetic surface 3083 on craft 3080 thatprovides means for securing craft 3080 to fixture 3075. The design ofcraft 3080 may include spoke members 3086 to provide top members 3087which provide a shroud type of surface that prevents rotors 3082 fromcontacting, for example, the underside of fixture 3075 upon engagementof magnet 3030 to secure and provide docking of craft 3080 with fixture3075 of electromagnet 3030.

In FIGS. 30A-1,2, 30B, and 30C1-3, crafts 3080 may also include mounteddevice 3085. The mounted device may support camera systems 2950, sensorsystems 2960, or any combinations thereof including combinations of anyof the systems 2980. Various systems 2980 may also be located throughoutthe body of craft 3080. Device 3088 may be supported by a gimbalmechanism 3085, which promotes stability of device 3086 and permits itto swivel about straps 3087 and rotate 360 degrees about rotationalmount 3088 to which straps 3087 are secured. The systems that may beparticularly suited for location in device 3086 may include the opticalguidance system, camera systems and select systems 2990 that would beenhanced by the ability for them to be pointed in a selected directionor enhanced with their ability to be rotated and swiveled. Accordingly,these select systems may preferably be located in device 3086 whereasother systems 2980 may be best located throughout other portions ofcraft 3080. Another embodiment may include one where device 3086 may beanother craft and where the mechanism 3085 operates to dock the secondcraft with the main craft 3080 where, for example, straps 3087 areelectromagnets holding craft II securely until a time requiring craft IIto be deployed. The embodiment where mechanism 3085 operates to carrycraft II, allows craft 3080 to navigate to any desired location and ifnecessary deploy craft II for a separate mission wherein craft Ioperates to investigate one condition and craft II another condition. Inthis embodiment craft II may contain a different set of sensors and/orequipment than craft I (3080).

Referring now to FIG. 30C-1-3, yet another embodiment is depicted inconnection with a faceplate docking system and craft design. In thisembodiment, faceplate 3070 secures a dome shaped docking station 3075that may include electro-magnets 3030. Craft 3080 also has an upper domeshaped portion that is received in docking station 3075 and craft 3080may have magnet portions 3083 that correspond to the electro-magnets3030 in docking station 3075. Craft 3080 has upper arms 3081 and lowerarms 3084. In one embodiment the arms 3081 and 3084 both pivot up anddown; FIG. 30C-1 illustrating the arms in the uppermost position andFIG. 30C-2 illustrating the arms in the lowermost position with theformer being the position when the craft 3080 is in flight and thelatter when craft 3080 is docked, landing or out of operation. In oneembodiment arms 3081 and 3084 are passive in the sense that they arefree to swivel or rotate upwardly or downwardly; here, when the rotors3082 are rotating, and/or the craft 3080 is flying, the force of therotors lifts the arms upwardly and ultimately can move the arms to theiruppermost position. When craft 3080 is landed and/or docked, the rotors3082 are rotating very slowly or not rotating at all and the arms dropto the lowermost position as a result of gravity. In another embodimentone or both of arms 3082 and/or 3084 are mechanically connected to amotor that causes the position of the arms to articulate between thelowermost and uppermost positions. Arms 3082 and 3084 may accordingly bevaried and held in any one of many articulated positions as may bedesirable to aid in the flight of craft 3080 or to control the profileof craft 3080 from fully extended arms at the uppermost position, fullyrefracted arms at their lowermost position or any other wingspan orprofile when the arms are positioned between the uppermost and lowermostpositions. It will be understood that when the arms are mechanicallycontrolled, the arms may be controlled to keep each of the four armsetsin the same relative position, keep two of the four armsets at the samebut difference positions or vary each of the four armsets individuallyto be in different positions as may be desirable to effect differentcraft 3080 flight dynamics, craft 3080 positional dynamics and the like.By varying the rotational speed of the four craft rotors 3082 the craftmay be made to ascend, descent, move forward, reverse, diagonally,rotate and fly in any different and/or desirable direction. With theadditional option to change the articulated positions of each of craftsrespective armsets, further flight options and dynamics may be effected.The automated control of the armsets may be regulated by the armsattitude system 2987 operated by craft control system 2910.

FIG. 30C-3 depicts an embodiment where the faceplate 3070 is mounted ona wall rather than the ceiling with the electro-magnets 3030 attached toan arm that extends away from the wall with the electro-magnets engagingthe corresponding magnetic material on the drone 3080. Craft 3080 inthis embodiment has the articulating arms 3081 and 3084, which may bepositioned in their lowermost position to further ensureelectro-magnetic docking element 3030 is free to engage the craft 3080with no interference from rotors 3082. It should also be understood thatthe two armsets closest to the docking station 3030 may be lowered whilethe other two armsets remain in their uppermost position. While thereare many ways to maneuver craft 3080 in position to dock craft 3080 withdocking station 3030, lowing the articulation arms will cause craft 3080to move laterally toward docking station 3030 promoting proper alignmentof the electro-magnets 3030 on the docking station to properly alignwith the magnetic material 3083 on craft 3080. It should be understoodthat craft 3080 may have only one magnetic surface, two opposed magneticsurfaces as shown in FIG. 30C1-3 or a magnetic surface that completelyencircles the dome shaped craft 3080. It should also be understood thatthe docking stations may be variously positioned against ceilings,walls, floors, traffic lights, lamp posts and other structures.

Each motor 3082 is propelled by an actuator or individual motor (notshown), housed in motor housing 3090 which is rotationally connected toeach rotor 3082, the motor housing 3090 for which is pivotally mountedto arm 3084 by pivot member 3091. At the base of each motor housing 3090is landing pad 3089 that is curved to allow it to provide a securelanding surface no mater what the articulation or angle of motor housing3090, as a result of the level of articulation of arms 3081 and 2084 asis explained more fully hereinabove. The articulation and/or angle ofmotor housing 3090 also affects how the landing gear foot 3089 isarticulated or angled, which may also be controlled by arm attitudesystem 2987 that is controlled by craft controller 2910 to affect theflight of craft 3080.

FIGS. 31A-C depict computer screen shots of a system of sandbox units3020 together with various faceplate units 3070 installed on four floorsin a four-story building 3100 as shown in FIG. 31A. Within all of thewalled-off offices and/or cubicles are multiple sandbox units 3020 withvarious faceplate units 3070; the Units may be outlet Units, lightswitch Units and/or fixture Units as set forth hereinbefore in thisspecification. These Units may include docking stations and crafts 3080as are described hereinbefore. The Units are integrated into a systemthat communicates with the respective Units, coordinators and remote andlocal servers as is set forth hereinbefore. The network of Units detectsvarious environmental and electrical conditions, controls delivery ofpower to such Units and appliances in communication therewith andfunctions to report the various conditions detected. When there is anissue that needs attention or a potential problem that is detected, thesystem provides alerts to users, mobile devices, desktop units and otherstakeholders such as for example, building superintendents, owners,utilities, fire departments, police departments and first responders andthe like. Upon receipt of any such alerts or when desirable, thestakeholders may log into the computer system through any of thedescribed devices to check on the status of any building 3100, aparticular floor 3110 of any building and any particular Unit on anyfloor to check the status of any conditions, including any particularalerts triggered by the networked system. On floor F02 3110 at location3115, an alert was triggered and a stakeholder has logged into thesystem and accessed screen shots 3100 and particularly with respect tolocation 3115. In FIG. 31B only a few exemplary Units are designated; itis understood that in a typical embodiment there may be many more Unitsthroughout each floor and each cubicle and the common areas of thebuildings. Unit 3125 has detected an issue in cubicle 3115. Astakeholder using the computerize system has been alerted to thebuilding, floor, cubicle and Unit that alerted the stakeholder to thegiven condition or issue. In FIG. 31C, the stakeholder has drilled downto the cubicle 3115 and the very Unit 3125 detecting and alerting theissue by clicking on the cubicle or Unit. Upon clicking on Unit 3125, apopup window 3130 appears and the stakeholder can access information onthe condition of the components of Unit 3125 by clicking on faceplatebutton 3134 or sandbox button 3136. In text box 3138 reports on theconditions of each sensor and/or detector may be set forth and/orselected allowing the stakeholder to drill down on all of theparticulars for each condition sensed. A picture of the person orpersons working in cubicle 3115 may be shown as well as whether he orshe is present in the cubicle.

In a further embodiment, craft 3080 may be dispatched to investigate thecondition in cubicle 3115 or the person(s) in such cubicle. Craft 3080has the capability to monitor for voices and to communicate with theUnits, the person(s) in the cubicle as is set forth herein thedescription of this application. Craft 3080 further provides the abilityto communicate live visual and audio feeds of what is transpiring in thearea(s) being investigated. A stakeholder can speak with the person(s)via speakers and microphones in craft 3080 as well as in the Units.Craft 3080 may be launched from any of the docking mechanisms asdescribed in FIG. 30. Craft 3080 may be dispatched to follow persons ofinterest or to investigate and/or take reconnaissance as desirable.

In yet another embodiment, the docking mechanisms for craft 3080 may belocated inside various structures as well as outside structuresincluding on street lamps, traffic lights or other outdoor structures.Craft 3080 may be dispatched to follow persons, vehicles or otherobjects. While it is understood that Crafts 3080 may return to its homedocking station to recharge its batteries, it should also be understoodthat it could be equipped with solar panels, electrical generators andchargers to recharge the power system 2990 which system has componentsthat may be located inside craft 3080, inside the docking stations,inside Units and/or combinations of the foregoing. Further, dockingstations 3030 may be located variously throughout buildings, floors oroutside of such buildings to provide various locations for craft 3080 todock and/or recharge its batteries.

Additionally, other alterations can be made, as a way of non-limitingexample, the number of boards and the arrangement thereof, the number offront panels and faceplate, the removal or addition of boards or panels,the size thereof, the arrangement and type of Units, including thoseadapted to dock with crafts 3080, may be varied, without deviating fromthe scope of the invention. Whereas the embodiments show boards beingstacked one in front of the other, the boards may be positioned side byside, or have a panel or other component therebetween. A single boardmay comprise all the components of the first and second boards, and maybe larger than existing electric boxes described above. For example, innew buildings without existing electrical boxes, it may be preferred forthe Units to have a different size and arrangement than the embodimentsthat fit into currently existing electric boxes.

Another contemplated embodiment of the invention includes the use ofmultiple front panels simultaneously on a common board(s), providing amodular system. For example, a front panel may cover a portion of theboard while leaving portions of the board exposed, so that one or moreother front panels may be connected thereto. An example of such a systemincludes front panels having country-specific plug-receiving portions. Ahotel, for instance, may want to provide outlets having multipleconfigurations. The unit therefore may include a front panel having oneU.S. plug-receiving portion and another front panel having one Europeanplug-receiving portion. According to where the visitor is from, thehotel may provide a front panel having the visitor's country-specificplug-receiving portion, as well as one front panel having aplug-receiving portion of the local configuration. Alternatively, a usermay want a room light switch with an outlet or USB port. The user mayattach a front panel having a switch interface and another front panelhaving a receiving portion onto the same unit. Such a modular system mayprovide multi-functionality to the unit and personalization, withoutbeing limited to the front panel configurations manufactured for themass. Additionally, such a system may reduce manufacturing costs, sincefewer configurations of the front panel may be necessary. It is to beunderstood that other combinations and configurations are contemplatedwithout deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, themodular front panel may connect to a first front panel attached to theboard(s) in a system having multiple stacking front panels asillustrated in FIGS. 7-8.

It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by thescope of the claims appended hereto.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

We claim:
 1. A management system having multiple components including anunmanned vehicle comprising: at least one electrical control unit, asensor enabled to monitor a given condition; a power source; a processorconfigured to be in communication with the at least one sensor and saidpower source, said processor further configured to manage communicationswith said management system; an unmanned vehicle releasibly coupled tosaid electrical control unit, said processor being adapted to releasesaid unmanned vehicle to enable the unmanned vehicle to separate fromsaid electrical control unit, wherein said sensor is enabled to monitorat least one of the following: voltage, current, real power, apparentpower, reactive power, frequency, total harmonic distortion, arc fault,plug loads, power factor, GFI, AFI, light, temperature, humidity,methane, carbon monoxide, motion, thermal, occupancy, radio frequency,audio, video, infrared, and combinations thereof and wherein saidunmanned vehicle can travel to various locations.
 2. A management systemas in claim 1, wherein there are multiple electrical control unitsforming a network of units, said network of units having sensors enabledto monitor at least one given condition, said sensors are enabled tomonitor at least one of the following: voltage, current, real power,apparent power, reactive power, frequency, total harmonic distortion,arc fault, plug loads, power factor, GFI, AFI, light, temperature,humidity, methane, carbon monoxide, motion, thermal, occupancy, radiofrequency, audio, video, infrared, and combinations thereof, whereinsaid unmanned vehicle travels to at least one of said electrical outletsin response to the detection of one of the conditions.
 3. A managementsystem as in claim 1, wherein the sensors are located as follows: in theelectrical control unit, in the unmanned vehicle and combinationsthereof.
 4. A management system of claim 2, wherein said multipleelectrical control units further comprise positioning information andare enabled to provide said positional information to said unmannedvehicle in a manner that enables navigation for the unmanned vehicle. 5.A management system of claim 1, wherein said unmanned vehicle furthercomprises a craft navigation system that receives input from at leastone sensor located on board the unmanned vehicle and controls themechanicals of the unmanned vehicle in the movement of the vehicle.
 6. Amanagement system of claim 5, wherein the mechanicals of the vehicleinclude at least one of the following: a rotor control system, an armscontrol system, a motor attitude system and combinations of thereof. 7.A management system of claim 6, wherein said arms control system of saidvehicle may be used to walk the vehicle from location to location.
 8. Amanagement system of claim 1, wherein said unmanned vehicle furthercomprises a craft navigation system that receives input from at leastone of the following vehicle systems: network system that communicateswith at least one electrical control unit, GPS system, inertial system,gyroscopic system, geomagnetic system, camera system, sensory system,attitude sensory system and combinations thereof.
 9. A management systemof claim 8, wherein said craft navigation system further receives inputsfrom at least one sensor on board the unmanned vehicle and controls themechanicals of the vehicle that include at least one of the following: arotor control system, an arms control system, a motor attitude systemand combinations thereof, wherein the craft navigation system is enableautomatically navigates the unmanned vehicle selectively utilizing theinput from the sensors, mechanicals, systems and combinations thereof.10. A management system of claim 1, further comprising manual vehiclecontrollers that are enabled to manually maneuver the unmanned vehicle.11. A management system of claim 8, further comprising manual vehiclecontrollers that are enable to manually maneuver the unmanned vehicle,wherein the vehicle is enabled to be maneuvered by at least one of thefollowing: the manual vehicle controllers, the craft navigation systemand combinations thereof.
 12. A management system of claim 1, whereinsaid electrical control unit further includes a docking system that isenabled to securely connect and disconnect the unmanned vehicle with theelectrical control unit.
 13. A management system of claim 12, whereinsaid docking system further includes an electromagnet unit and amagnetic material whereby upon energizing the electromagnetic unit theelectromagnetic unit engages with the magnetic material and secures theunmanned vehicle with the electrical control unit.
 14. A managementsystem of claim 12, wherein the electromagnet unit is a component of theelectrical control unit and the magnetic material is a component of saidunmanned vehicle.
 15. A management system of claim 1, wherein theelectromagnetic unit is a component of the unmanned vehicle and themagnetic material is a component of the electrical control unit.
 16. Amanagement system of claim 1, wherein the unmanned vehicle is an aerialvehicle and further comprises, at least one rotor and a mechanism forengaging a payload that is transported by the unmanned vehicle.
 17. Amanagement system of claim 16, wherein the payload may include at leastone of the following: a camera system, sensors, vehicle systems, anotherunmanned vehicle and combinations thereof.
 18. A management system ofclaim 1, wherein the electrical control system includes at least one ofthe following: light fixture, fan fixture, docking station andcombinations thereof.
 19. A management system of claim 2, wherein thenetwork of electrical control units operate to transmit data andcommands between said network of electrical control units and theunmanned vehicle.
 20. A management system of claim 19, wherein saidenergy management system is in communication with energy consumingdevices, wherein the normal parameters for said energy consuming devicesare programmed into at least one processor, said energy managementsystem monitoring the conditions of these devices, the network beingenabled to detect when any one of said energy consuming devices isoperating outside of said normal parameters, whereupon the detection ofa condition outside the normal parameters enables at least one of thefollowing: reporting the abnormal condition, deactivating the devicewith the abnormal condition, triggering an alert in response to theabnormal condition, notifying a user of the abnormal condition,dispatching the unmanned vehicle to the situs of the detected conditionand any combinations thereof